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Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church rings in plans for handbell choir |
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HAVE YOU EVER HEARD A HANDBELL CHOIR? If you have, you know its heavenly
sound. If you haven't, you
are in for a real treat. Because
with your help and God's grace, In last year's congregational survey and subsequent small group discussions, our worship music program consistently received the highest praise. And, the follow-on envisioning process identified a handbell choir as a highly desirable enhancement. Since then, plans have been underway to explore this possibility. Beyond the beauty of its music, the availability of handbells can further God's mission by enabling greater church member participation in the music ministry. In particular, other churches have experienced enthusiastic youth participation and adult participation beyond the traditional voice choir membership. |
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GIVE-A-BELL CAMPAIGN Beginning August 27th, all BSLC members will have an opportunity to contribute toward our handbell program. Of course any donation of any size will be joyously received. In addition you will have an opportunity to purchase and memorialize, if you wish, an actual bell for the program. There are 37 bells in the planned 3 octave set, and the prices range from approximately $125 to $250, depending upon size. It is hoped to receive enough congregational support in September to enable an order to be placed by October 1. Achieving that goal will allow us to avoid an announced price increase after that date, and help ensure incorporation of handbell music in the coming year. |
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BSLC HANDBELL
PROGRAM UPDATE The handbell program has taken off to a glorious beginning. As of mid-September when this was written, we had received congregational sponsorship of over ½ of the planned 37 bell set. Additionally, we had received over $500 in free will "Love Offerings". The ultimate goal of the handbell committee is to raise $12000 in the current campaign. That amount will allow us to purchase a 3 octave set of bells (including tables and carrying cases), ancillary materials such as music and table covers, and to provide compensation for handbell choir direction. The most immediate goal is to accumulate sufficient funding for the actual bell purchase price of $8345. The bell price is scheduled to increase by over $400 on October 1. Therefore, it is highly desirable to place an order before that date. Actual payment will be due about 60 days after the order is placed. The handbell committee will meet before the end of September to consider the prudence of committing an order based upon then current donations and pledges. We will continue to accept Give-A-Bell donations and Love Offerings throughout the next several weeks. Memorialization of bells will most likely be recognized in the form of an appropriate plaque to be on permanent display in the church. |
WINE AND CHEESE
TASTING Pastor Ken and Marge graciously opened their beautiful home to us for a WINE AND CHEESE TASTING EVENT on Friday evening, September 15. We had over 70 attendees who delighted in tasting wines and cheeses from around the world. A special treat for us was a handbell performance by Marji Zeakley, who is the director of the Sonoran Bells, a community hand bell "choir" of great renown. If you ever have an opportunity to hear a performance by the Sonoran Bells, it is highly recommended! We also graciously acknowledge the support of VINO 100, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Markets in the form of donations and discounts to help in the Event. Please consider these generous merchants in your personal shopping.
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BELL CHOIR PARTICIPATION With God’s grace, we will soon be forming our first Beautiful Savior Handbell Choir. Whether you have ever rung before, or not, whether you consider yourself musically adept or challenged, if you have any interest, please let us know. Please consider participating in some of the early workshops and practices before deciding if this is your cup of tea, or not. For more information on any aspect of the handbell program, please call or see Tom or Ruth Ann Gribb, phone 797-1292.
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