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The fall choir season has been off to a wonderful start this year at United Presbyterian Church. We’ve explored different styles and genres of music, so far ranging from anthems written by Bach (composed before 1750) through music written by living composers. We’re always welcoming new members, and we’d love to have you with us! Choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30, and sings in worship on Sunday mornings on an almost weekly basis. Our handbell choir is also starting off strong, welcoming two brand new members to its ranks. The United Ringers rehearse in the sanctuary most Sundays after worship, and new members are always welcome. Even if you’ve never played an instrument or don’t know a flat symbol from an eighth rest, you can come give it a try. If you can count to 4, you can learn to play!
This season, we’ve also prepared to say goodbye to Becky and Ken Mebert, who have been an integral part of UPC’s music team for more than a decade and part of our ancestor congregations (West and First) for more than 40 years. They are moving to the Denver area to be closer to their family, and our UPC family will miss them very much. Becky has provided worship accompaniment and music coordinating, and Ken has sung in the bass section of the choir and also sung solos and in small groups. On October 1, the choir gathered at Judy Westcott’s house for a going-away party for Becky and Ken, where we enjoyed great food, wonderful fellowship, and of course, singing.
On Sunday, October 12, Becky and Ken celebrated their final Sunday in worship with us at UPC, where we said “thank you” for all their contributions with a musical celebration. Bell choir presented the theme from the TV series The Golden Girls (“Thank You for Being a Friend!”); vocal choir sang Denis Agay’s “Old Irish Blessing”; and the sending music was a rousing rendition of “Go Tell It on the Mountain”, one of our favorite traditions from Christmas Eve. This song was especially fitting not just because it’s one of our favorites, but also because Becky and Ken are moving to the mountains! The instrumentalists helped make a joyful noise to bless the Meberts on their way: Aimée Backus (flute); Cathy Ciganek (flute); Sara Liebermann (trumpet); Becky Mebert (organ); Ethan Nyamuame (alto sax); Elikem and Ellis Nyamuame (percussion); Nate Raboy (trombone); Austin Shadduck (shakuhachi); Phil Westcott (tenor sax).
And of course, no send-off would be complete without some farewell gifts, which Becky said were “wrapped in love and a sense of humor”:
a toy tool kit for Ken, in case any of his tools get misplaced in the move; a set of Matchbox sports cars to help them choose a replacement for their Miata (which they sold because they couldn’t drive three cars across the country);
a decorative angel, creatively made from an old copy of the 1955 Hymnbook;
and T-shirts with the PC(USA) slogan of “energy, imagination, intelligence, and love”.
A Big Thank You and Note of Gratitude
A Big Thank You and Note of Gratitude
Ken and I are closing off this part of our life journey here in the Triple Cities area completing 50+ years, most of which has included this church and our journey together. We were married in this sanctuary (before the platform was added). We were a part of the choirs and music programs as participants and leaders several times. Our son Mark was baptized here. We have lots of memories of many people and several music leaders and pastors in First and West and then United Presbyterian Church.
Last Sunday [October 12] was a beautifully orchestrated worship service that was inclusive of favorite music, joyful noise (Go Tell It on the Mountain), wonderful creative reception (hosted by Cindy and Andy Chadwick), a choir blessing, and lots of conversations, stories, hugs, and tears, and Kimberly-inspired send-off gifts wrapped in love and a sense of humor. We will have the symbolic toys in Nana and Bampa’s new house for grandchildren and guests with children visits! My hymnbook created angel will be perched on my piano making me smile as I practice to give me sanity and peace!
The Tiffany mosaic of the Christian Soldier at the back of the sanctuary that the choir looks at every Sunday was created into a canvas reproduction and given to us at the choir party. It will be placed in our stairwell below the window so we will see it every evening as we go upstairs to bed.
These are the tangible gifts we carry with us. The intangible gift of many relationships, friendships, pastoral leaders, and volunteers who have made the church come alive for us will be the content of heart and mind that I, personally, will draw from as we grieve the loss of being with you all physically. Ken will refocus his buildings and grounds repair, analysis, and mentoring of building staff as to how to clean, repair, do yardwork and plumbing, to help our son with his yard and getting our new house set up… first time Ken has a 2-car garage!
Thank you to the congregation and staff! We will miss you. Our home is open as always. (A little notice ahead will make sure we are home!)
Becky and Ken Mebert
Contact the church office to inquire for the Meberts’ new address.
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