Mary Kay's Cary Days

July 26, 2007

Dear Friends,

I with to thank the many musicians in our midst who have stepped forward this summer to provide special music for our services. In addition to the usual preparation, there has been an added element of heightened theme consciousness for each piece chosen, as we try to support musically the various focus topics of each week. Special gratitude goes to Lori Volpe, the Ethiopian singers and most recently, the children’s ensemble of Hope Choir for their sensitive singing of “Adoration” and “Feed the Hungry People” as we learned more about the problem of homelessness.

As we continue on with our summer worship services of varying styles, this Sunday’s music supports the concept of healing and wholeness in our faith. Our summer intern, Susan, and her friend, Cheryl Benze have created an interesting musical setting of a prayer. Susan set out to find a Celtic melody to adapt that would enhance a text that was special to her. Cheryl is a Celtic harpist and agreed to sing this piece, as well as to provide a new accompaniment to this tune. She will also play her own arrangement of “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” as a prelude for worship. We are singing that beloved hymn “There is a Balm in Gilead,” too!

Having my daughter, Ashleigh, with me for the summer has been so nice, but I am reminded how quickly the time goes by as she anticipates returning to college soon. My thoughts are turning to plans for the start-up of our many music ensembles. We will begin rehearsals for all ensembles the first week in September, with children’s choirs to begin on Sunday, September 9. For detailed information, please go to www.kirkofkildaire.org/worsh/music.html for a direct link to our music page. There is childcare available for all adult ensemble evening rehearsal hours – Chancel Choir, Chancel Ringers, Grace Ringers. In August, please look for an online registration for the children’s ensembles, but do feel free to contact me or any of our volunteer directors with questions or to register for any of the groups. As we have purposely designed our ensembles for a variety of ages, skill and style interests, we have a place for everyone!

August worship music will feature our own acoustic ensemble, Psalm 150 leading us in contemporary worship, the professional male gospel group “The Master’s Men,” Laura Kaufman (Kirk member, flautist, NC School for the Arts graduate), and a harp ensemble organized by Julia Cobley! Come and enjoy!

Peace,

Mary Kay