(Click this)  First Congregational United Church of Christ   (Click it)

Grand Junction, Colorado        Diversity is what UNITES us.

It’s Monday night. Sixty-one bells, 37 hand chimes, 24 mallets, 7 books and stands are arrayed on 30 feet of table, awaiting the arrival of 12 musicians and one enthusiastic director. As the ringers arrive, stories of the joys and challenges of the day and the week are shared. Once rehearsal begins, however, the cares of the day melt with the sound of bells and the challenge of many hands playing this “instrument” as one. How many times have we commented on how energized we feel at the end of a rehearsal!
It’s a challenge to find the words to describe what an exhilarating experience ringing in a bell choir can be. If you really want to know, just ask Mark Long, or Gail Gordon, or Jamie Walker, who joined Cantabile Ringers last year. Or ask Betty Ellrick and Betty Hall, who have played with the choir since the beginning 22 years ago. Or ask Carolyn Holmgren, who has recently learned to ring “4-in-hand”.
Cantabile Ringers rehearse weekly during the school year, play in church 1 – 2 times per month, play in a community bell concert at Christmas, and occasionally attend festivals to ring with hundreds of other musicians. You do not have to have a strong music background to play – just a good sense of rhythm and a great sense of humor.
Watch the September TC for information about some “learn about bells” sessions Martha will be holding for persons interested in finding out about bells. For more information or if you are interested in learning more about joining Cantabile Ringers, call Martha Jones at 245-7421.
 

          During August, Mission and Outreach will be providing for you a large decorated box in the gathering space to be filled with school supplies to overflowing for our less fortunate school kiddos. With rising costs we want to help parents and kiddos to get off to the right start of school. Thanks for your continued support.
          The confirmed date for the famous SHRIMP BOIL will be August 22nd. So please mark your calendars and bring your appetities. Menu to be shrimp, corn on the cob, coleslaw, rolls and the ever popular peach cobbler. Olathe sweet corn and Palisade peaches to die for. Please plan on joining us then. Prices this year will be $12.50 for 13 and up. $5 for ages 6-12, all others free. Also please bring 2 non-perishable items (canned goods) each for use at the Homeward Bound/Homeless Shelter when our FCUCC crew cooks there for the 2nd & 4th Wednesday dinners. This will help us defray rising costs for all.
          Another eating opportunity will be August 17th at the Dragon Treasure Chinese Restaurant in Fruita near Dinosaur Museum (402 Jurassic Ave.) as a benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association. Their annual memory walk will be Sept. 13, 2008.

Fellowship Board is announcing this month’s 5th Sunday Potluck August 31
Lets have a Fiesta! Everyone bring something to eat with a south of the border theme...this is a suggestion not a requirement. We’ll decorate Mexican style so if anyone has things to use for table decorations please, give Kay Ragsdale a call (#858-3035).
Muchas Gracias! See you at the Fiesta.