Happenings Archive
Browse through the church's announcements to learn more about what we do throughout the year:
Happenings Archive - 2010
Martin Luther King Day Project:
Chairs and Baked Goods Being Collected for Broad Street Ministry
Chair donations received Tuesday and Thursday evenings by appointment, Sunday mornings
Activities Monday, January 18 begin at 9:30 a.m.
The beneficiary of SPC's 2010 MLK project will be Broad Street Ministry. BSM is a thriving, multi-faceted urban ministry located right on Broad Street inPhiladelphia that serves the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of a diverse surrounding community that includes many local artists and also a large number of homeless and marginalized individuals. Its ministries include Sunday evening worship services (our youth groups have participated in some of these!); an overnight "cafe" (supported by our Alternative Christmas Shop) that offers a hot meal and place to stay out of the cold to men, women, and children unable to stay in a traditional shelter; a weekly Thursday lunch program that connects those who break bread together with members of the business community that share a variety of legal, housing, and health resources; and much more.
One of the current practical needs of this thriving ministry is for decent chairs! As they report in a current newsletter, "Metal chairs are not part of the vision for our sanctuary. They speak of agencies, formality, and uniformity. That's not Broad Street Ministry. So we need to replace all our metal chairs with wooden ones and add a few more to seat the growing number of people
worshipping in the sanctuary." So our Martin Luther King Day Project will be to collect and deliver sturdy wooden chairs needed
to support the programs and worship activities at Broad Street Ministry.
Chair Collection:
Sturdy non-folding wooden chairs of any type that are new or used, requiring cosmetic or minor repairs may be brought to the church on Tuesday or Thursday evenings between 5:30 and 7:30 or on Sunday mornings. Project leader Joe D'Ignazio and some of his partners on our outreach committee will be glad to help you unload them. This is how it will work:
1) if you wish to bring chairs on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, either call the church office (610-543-4712) or be in touch with Joe to let him know; he will arrange for someone to meet you near the garage, where chairs will be stored until repairs can be made.
2) On Sundays through January 17, you may simply bring chairs you would like to donate and leave them in front of the garage.
3) On Monday, January 18 you may bring chairs directly to Fellowship Hall; please be in touch with Joe (member directory; login required) to let him know that you will be doing so.
Cleaning and Repairs:
Most of the actual cleaning and and some repairs will be completed on MLK Day as a mission project. If you have a talent for this kind of restoration and you have a chair or two to donate and are able to work on this independently ahead of MLK Day, do it! If you don't have chairs to donate but might be willing to pick up a chair and do the necessary repairs or refinishing at home in time to bring it back by MLK Day that would be welcome as well. Chairs are being catalogued as they are collected,so we already have a very good sense of what repairs are needed.
Monday's Activities:
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Chair cleaning in Fellowship Hall
Those who have signed on to help clean and get protective pads on chairs are encouraged to bring rags, buckets, old toothbrushes, fine steel wool, wood-cleaning products, and anything else that might be useful in this process.
Creativity in recruiting chair donations is much appreciated! If you know anyone (or any small business) that has chairs to donate but needs some help in getting them here, let the church office know (610-543-4712) or contact Joe D'Ignazio directly.
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Collection of Baked Goods and Craft Supplies in Fellowship Hall
We are also collecting baked good (primarily breads and cookies) for use by our friends at Broad Street, as many of their weekly programs involve breaking bread in various forms. Please bring donations in sealed plastic bags.
And we have recently earned that certain craft suppplies are useful to the "Breaking Bread" program; these include heavy drawing or watercolor paper, glue sticks and bottles of Elmers' glue, acrylic paint, scrapbooking papers, stickers, decorative scissors, etc.
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Delivery of Chairs and Baked Goods to BSM
If you are able to help load chairs into vehicles or - better yet - come with an SUV, minivan, or the like and be willing to drive it down to BSM - we could use you help during this time.
For more information on any of the above or to offer your help, please stop at the BSM table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning during coffee or contact Joe D'Ignazio directly. Thanks to one and all who help fulfill this dream!
Give a Child a Hug:
Bear Hugs Wrap Their Arms Around Children in Need
Sundays, February 7 and 14 in Fellowship Hall
“Bear Hugs Ministry” is a program which collects teddy bears for children who are at risk or victims of domestic abuse, accidents, or disaster. Beginning Sunday, February 7, there will be a display explaining the program and a place to leave your donations in Fellowship Hall. Teddy bears both new and gently loved (clean, please) will be welcomed. Our collection date is February 14, because it seems like such a good way to celebrate Valentine’s weekend!
Planning and coordination by our Presbyterian Women.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, February 17
12:15 and 7:30 p.m. in Loeffler Chapel
We honor the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday worship services that include the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and the Imposition of Ashes. Worship is led by our pastoral staff, with the support of the worship committee. We welcome all who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Film Fridays presents "West Side Story"
Friday, February 19
7:00 p.m. in Loeffler Chapel
PW is pleased to present the second in our winter series of "Film Fridays." On Friday, February 19, we will view West Side Story, 1961 Academy Award Winner of the coveted "Best Film" title. Set to music by Leonard Bernstein and dance by Jerome Robbins, West Side Story has bcome a classic interpretation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in in New York City in the late 1950s. We will view it on the large screen in Loeffler Chapel at full volume. Snacks are BYO - attendees are invited to bring their favorites and we will share. PW provides beverages. Event is free and open to the public. Bring a friend!
Theologian-in-Residence: Jack Rogers
Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church
Saturday, February 20 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.; 1:30 p.m.
Sunday February 21 9:00 a.m. class in Fellowship Hall; 10:15 worship
Issues of human sexuality continue to swirl around us, both in the secular world (e.g., the definition of marriage in the court system, state legislatures, and the voting booth) and in the church (e.g., ordination and leadership roles in congregations). Our own denomination has been wrestling with these issues officially since 1978 and, unofficially, for much longer. To help us better understand what’s going on in our denomination’s polity and also to aid us in “thinking theologically” about human sexuality, our adult education program is pleased to welcome Jack Rogers as our theologian-in-residence Saturday, February 20, and Sunday, February 21. Jack was with us once before when he served as moderator of our General Assembly. This time he will lead workshops on Saturday using the new edition of his respected and highly valued book, Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church. He will also lead the 9:00 a.m. adult education hour on Sunday and preach in worship at 10:15.
A self-acknowledged “evangelical” theologian, Jack has had quite a journey in his own re-interpretation of human sexuality. In his book he describes his own change of mind and heart on the issue of homosexuality, charts the history of using biblical passages to oppress marginalized groups, and argues for a more inclusive church that can heal itself and move forward again. He is a warm and accessible human being who combines personal narrative, theology, and church history in both his writing and his oral presentations.
Copies of his book are available on Sunday mornings in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour and weekdays in the church office for purchase and personal reading and study. (Cost $12.00, paperback) Dick Wohlschlaeger will lead several adult education sessions both as preparation and follow-up to his presentation. We hope as many as possible will be able to join us for this opportunity in learning and spiritual growth.
You may download a flyer (requires Adobe Reader) with background information and a complete schedule of events. Learn more about Jack Rogers and this subject at www.drjackrogers.com.
Smile! 2010 Picture Directory
Makeup Session Saturday, February 27
Because of the snowstorm, all photo sessions originally scheduled for Saturday, February 6 have been rescheduled to Saturday, February 27. If you were scheduled for February 6, but cannot come at the same time on February 27, please either use the link for online scheduling posted on the photo directory page (login required) of the members' site to reschedule or be in touch with Marcia Hiehle (member directory - login required). There is perhaps a silver lining for families unable to make any of our originally scheduled sessions: if you are among them and are available on the 27th, please take advantage of this new session!
Women's Retreat: Praying Through Our Pens Saturday, March 6 in Fellowship Hall
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
So often we pray silently in our minds or aloud with our voices, yet embodied prayers (walking labyrinths or knitting prayer shawls, for example) can help us to more meaningfully connect body, mind and spirit in prayer. At our March 6 Women's Lenten Retreat, Rachel Hackenberg will lead us as we learn to embody our prayers through the movement of a pen across paper. Participants will pray through their pens in words and images, guided with scriptural prompts that invite them to use their full senses and life experience in the practice of written prayer. They will receive also small booklets to take home from the retreat so that they might continue the practice of prayer through pen for the remainder of Lent.
Holy Week 2010
March 28 through April 3
Palm/Passion Sunday, March 28
Palms are distributed in church school classes and at both 8:00 and 10:00 services. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering is received and dedicated in worship this morning. This offering provides emergency aid to refugees and victims of disasters, supports community self-help programs, and funds hunger programs. Most recently OGHS was the immediate source of over $200,000 in emergency aid provided the Haiti through PDA. This year’s theme is “Feed My Sheep.” One Great Hour of Sharing calendars and coin banks have been distributed in church school classes and are also available outside the church office. Offering envelopes will be available in the pews.
Holy Week Morning Communion Services
Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2
9:30 a.m. Morning Worship in Loeffler Chapel
Services of Word and Sacrament are held each morning in Loeffler Chapel at 9:30. Worship leaders vary daily and include a number of clergy who are active in the life of our church. Elders assist with the serving of communion.
Labyrinth Walks
all daylight hours, Friday evening 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Our outdoor labyrinth, located in front of the Memorial Garden (behind the ABC house on the west side of our parking lot) is a lovely place for meditative walks. Daytime walks will feel a little quieter this week as the nursery school is on spring break (the labyrinth is right next to their playground). In addition, it will be lighted Good Friday evening and volunteers from our PW coordinating team available to answer questions or suggest scripture passages on which you might reflect while walking.
Maundy Thursday, April 1
6:30 p.m. Pot-luck dinner in Fellowship Hall
The church family gathers to share dinner in memory of the supper Christ shared with his friends in the last days before his crucifixion. Please provide a dish to feed 8 to 10 fellow members according to the first letter of your last name:
A-F: Side Dish G-J: Dessert K-T: Entrée U-Z: Vegetarian Entrée or Vegetable Side Dish
Please bring your dish, including serving utensils, ready to be served. You can drop them off at the serving table in Fellowship Hall. Also, if you can include a label of ingredients, it will be greatly appreciated by those with allergies.
7:45 p.m. Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in Fellowship Hall
8:00 p.m. Tenebrae Service in the Sanctuary
Childcare for children 8 and under during the Tenebrae Service is available by request. Please contact Children's Ministry coordinator, Nikki DeVault at spcchildren@swarthmorepres.org and let her know the names and ages of children that will be attending.
Good Friday, April 2
12:00 noon Community Worship at Wallingford Presbyterian Church
Easter Sunday, April 4
Sunrise Garden Service
7:00 a.m. in the McCabe Garden
A joyful early morning celebration held in the McCabe Garden, adjacent to the Memorial Garden. Light breakfast fare will be offered in the Fellowship Hall lobby following worship.
Traditional Easter Worship
9:00 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Please bring a flower for the cross! Our Easter cross is fashioned from the Chrismon tree, stripped bare for Lent and decorated with fresh signs of new life on Easter morning. Musical traditions include the sounds of a brass ensemble welcoming us to worship and the singing of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus in response to the Benediction.
Childcare for children 4 and under is available at both services. Classes for children ages 4 through 5th grade are held following A Time With Children during the 9:00 service.
Environmental Fair Saturday, April 24
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. throughout the building
speakers and exhibitors listed on the Environmental Stewardship page
The Environmental Fair will be an all-day event where church and community members can learn about a wide variety of environmental topics through speakers’ presentations; booths and tables with experts who can provide individual assistance; hands-on activities for adults and children; and local tours of sustainable practices within close proximity of the church. Please print the flyer (requires Adobe Reader - free download available), get the date on your calendar, and share this opportunity with all of your friends and neighbors!
Inquirers' Classes Spring 2010
Sundays April 11 through May 2
9:00 a.m in the Study
Twice each year — in the spring and in the Fall — Dick Wohlschlaeger, with the support of our membership committee and a number of our elders, leads a four-week class for those interested in exploring membership. We call it an Inquirers’ Class because it creates opportunities for questions to be asked and answers thoughtfully given as well as the dissemination of some practical information and discussion about just what it really means to be Presbyterian and how the infrastructure of our church and its many committees is organized. If you would like to be part of this group, or know of anyone who has been attending recently and might, please contact the church office.
Healthy Women, Healthy Families: Mothers' Day Cards Support Women's Health
Sundays, April 25 & May 2
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
The NetWorkers Mother’s Day Project that many of us remember from previous years is now being expanded to
support a variety of health projects in Africa in addition to malaria prevention. Healthy Women, Healthy Families will help PC(USA) church partners support programs that protect and restore the health of women and children in their communities. These include prenatal care, fistula surgery, cervical cancer screening and health education for women, and nutritional rehabilitation, immunizations, health screening and primary care for children. Malaria prevention and treatment of course continue to be supported as well. Mothers’ Day Cards are sold for $10.00 per card because each $10.00 collected provides either prenatal care and delivery for one mother or a mosquito net and malaria prevention education for one family. Please stop in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 25 or May 2 and purchase these special cards in honor of your own mother and/or the mother of any children you love. If these times are not convenient but you would like to contribute, you may purchase cards in the church office throughout the week. (Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Cookies for College StudentsWednesday, May 5
by 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall kitchenIn just two weeks we will once again host the eagerly awaited “cookie night” at Swarthmore College — a time when students preparing for exams or writing papers can take a break and indulge in some tasty snacks and friendly conversation along with the de rigueur coffee that accompanies long nights. Please bring whatever you can contribute (homemade or not — just your favorites) to the Fellowship Hall kitchen between Sunday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 5 in sealed plastic bags or disposable containers. Ambassadors from our high school youth group will see that they get delivered to Bond Hall and might even meet some new friends in the process. Thank you!
Chester Children's Chorus Spring Concerts Friday, May 7 at Chester High School
Saturday, May 8 in Lang Hall, Swarthmore College
Songs of Love - from English Rennaissance to '60s R&B
The Chester Children’s Chorus - near and dear to the hearts and ears of many SPC folk - is supported by the Chester Fund, one of our current Outreach partners. And several times each year they present amazing and wonderful concerts! Admission is free (donations welcome) and tickets are not required. There is off-street parking at Chester High School.
This spring's concert has been created around the theme "Songs of Love" and features music ranging from the English Rennaissance through the 1960s. Though different in style, madrigals and R&B are alike in their focus on the many expressions of romantic love: playful and painful, steadfast and fickle, joyous and sad. The concert will close with original gospel tunes, written by director John Alston, that consider love in its aspect of care for self, family, friends, and community.
The Chester Children’s Chorus is an all-city choir whose 100 members, ages 8 through 18, represent every school in the Chester Upland School District. Children are invited to join on the basis of audition. As members for five to 10 years, they study music in the chorus’ year-round program as well as presenting audience-thrilling performances. Director and founder Dr. Alston, who is an associate professor of music at Swarthmore College, has been recognized for his work with Chester children by Media Fellowship House, the Epsilon Pi (Chester) chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and Turning Points for Children, a Philadelphia children’s services agency.
Information about the chorus is available at www.chesterchildrenschorus.org or 610-328-8180.
Christian Family Sunday: Teacher Recognition, Children's Choir Cantata
Sunday, May 9
10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
For many years now SPC worship on Christian Family Sunday - which typically falls on Mothers' Day - has included two elements that celebrate the promises all church members make at each baptism to nurture and support our children as they grow in
faith:
1) we recognize all who have helped in any way with church school classes throughout the year;
2) we enjoy the lively presentation of a musical led by our Junior Choir (children in grades 2 through 5) and assisted by children younger and older - the Primary Choir and the Youth choir. Middle school youth serve as readers, ushers, and acolyte.
This year's musical presentation is "Simon Says - the Rockin' Trial of Simon Peter" by Gail & Jimmy Travis Getzen. Simon Peter is on trial for preaching and teaching that Jesus is the son of God. A host of witnesses from several familiar Bible stories present clear evidence and testimony that Jesus truly is who Simon Says he is. Please join us Sunday, May 9 as the sanctuary comes alive with the energetic singing, dancing, and storytelling of 30 or so talented and enthusiastic children!
Car Wash Supports Youth Mission this Summer
Sunday, May 16
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon in the parking lot
Talk about multi-tasking!! While you are attending Tom Stephenson's presentation on Nicaragua, rehearsing with the choir, or participating in worship, your car will be washed! Members of our high school youth group will be greeting you at every door this Sunday with the offer to wash your car. Simply park in the main lot, make your payment to one of our greeters (suggested contribution $10.00 per car) and put the ticket they will give you on your windshield. You will leave worship and drive home in a clean car and the youth traveling to West Virginia in July will have a few more dollars to get them safely there.
Mission Trip Stock Sale
Sundays, May 2 through 16
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Once again this summer a group of our high school youth, led by John Weicher and our newly hired intern, Hannah Long, will be spending a week in West Virginia working through A.S.P. (Appalachian Service Project) to improve the homes and quality of life of struggling residents. In the process lives are shared, both among the travelers and with those they go to help. Invariably, returning trip participants report that their own lives have been enriched by the very people they thought they were going to help. Each of us can help make this experience a reality for SPC travelers; please stop at the ASP table in Fellowship Hall one Sunday in May to purchase “stock” in this trip — $25.00 per person or $40 per couple.
Fall Fair Dropoff
Saturday, May 22
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon in the parking lot
If you are ready to shake off winter and get a thrill out of the crocuses poking up as the snow melts, you are ready to get our spring dropoff date on your calendar! The Fair itself may be months away, but there is no time like spring for cleaning out, and we intend to take full advantage. So dig into that attic or basement or wherever you are bothered by clutter: Fall Fair will happily accept books, collectibles, auction pieces, flea market items, toys, and sporting goods all morning on Saturday, May 22. We will not be able to accept furniture or large items. Read more about each booth and what they are looking for on our Fall Fair Donations page. Questions? Offers to help? Please be in touch with one of our 2010 Fall Fair chairs at fallfair@swarthmorepres.org.
Summer on the Horizon
Church School Classes and Early Worship Meet for the last time May 23
Graduations, recitals, and year-end celebrations of many sorts mark our calendars at this time of year. With slightly less fanfare, but recognition that there has been much to celebrate, we note that the SPC calendar begins the shift into summer mode beginning Sunday, May 30. 8:00 worshipers and church school groups that normally meet at 9:00 gather for the last time on Sunday, May 23. The chancel choir sings for the last time Sunday, May 30. Children’s offerings beginning Sunday, May 30 include childcare for infants and toddlers in the nursery beginning at 10:00 each Sunday and a single large class for those ages 4 through 8 that meets in the lavender room following A Time With Children. The summer worship practice of serving communion by intinction begins the first Sunday in June. Onward!
Divorce Support Group Meets Sunday, May 23
12:00 noon in the Study
Several months ago a small group interested in supporting one another as they live with the strains of separation and divorce began meeting over lunch to help one another wherever they might be on this journey. The group welcomes new participants. For more information or to arrange child care, contact Lisa Day (lisa.day@swarthmorepres.org or 610-543-4712 x117). Bring your lunch Sunday, May 23 and join them in the Study.
Shawls to be Dedicated Sunday, May 30
In just a few weeks we will once again dedicate shawls knitted or crocheted by church members specifically to be given to others who might benefit from their healing warmth. Shawls — and the prayers that have been knitted into them — will be blessed in worship on Sunday, May 30. If you have a completed shawl to contribute, please bring it to the church office as soon as possible. If there is someone you know who might appreciate receiving such a shawl, please make Lisa Day (lisa.day@swarthmorepres.org or 610-543-4712 x117) or one of our deacons aware. Thank you.
Welcome Hannah Lyon, Summer Youth Intern!
Sunday, June 13 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
We are delighted to welcome Hannah Lyon to the church staff this summer. Hannah will be serving as a youth intern, assisting John Weicher both planning for and participating in all of the mission trips and retreats that involve our middle school and high school youth this summer. Hannah will be staying with the Swartentruber family but you will find her busy at the church most of the weeks that she is not off traveling with our youth. Please say hello to her either this Sunday in Fellowship Hall after worship or at your convenience during the week. Read more about Hannah (and see a couple of pictures) on the attached flyer.
Interfaith Hospitality Network: volunteers needed June 13 through 26
Sundays, June 13 through June 26
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Our next session (two weeks!) of hosting overnight guests is almost upon us. Please consider signing on for a tour of duty cooking, doing laundry, setting up living spaces, and providing hospitality for at least on evening of their stay. Like many other things in church service, if we do our job well, the work involved is an invisible web weaving together the final result. Coordinators Bette Schregel, Donna McKeown, and Joyce VanRavenswaay appreciate the generosity and willingness to serve that make this program possible. There are a great variety of needs - something to suit almost every schedule and temperament: please visit the IHN table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning or be in touch with one of our leaders directly and they will find a place where you may be of help. Thank you.
Calling all Church School Children: Please Paint an Animal on Board our Ark
Sundays July 11 - August 1
11:45 - 2:00 in McCahan Hall
Two by two — or even sometimes one by one — we are filling an ark of our own. The walls of the McCahan corridor have been clearly divided into to-be-painted swaths of land, sea, and air. Church school children began earlier this spring drawing animals that might inhabit these terrains and now parents and children are invited to work together in getting them onto the “canvas.” For the next few Sundays Children’s Ministry invites children and their families to share some lunch at 11:45 in McCahan Hall and help with this work. Please let Nikki DeVault (nikkidevault@gmail.com or 610-543-4712 x.118) know that you are coming so that food and supplies can be planned. Painters are welcome to participate in as few or many sessions as they are able. If there are children who would like to help, but other commitments make it hard for a parent to be here, let Nikki know; we would like as many church school children as possible to have an animal in the ark and will help you with arrangements!
Summer Book Discussion - "Eat, Pray, Love"
Tuesday, July 13 7:00 p.m. in the Study
Jacki Miller will lead a discussion of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. In this travel memoir, journalist Gilbert "chronicles her intrepid quest for spiritual healing. Driven to despair by a punishing divorce and an anguished love affair, Gilbert flees New York for sojourns in Italy, India, and Indonesia." (Booklist) Beverages will be provided. Bring you orwn snack or something to share. We will follow up this discussion with a trip to the cinema in August or September to see the movie.
Summer Clothing Drive for Broad Street Ministry
Sunday, July 4 through Sunday, July 18
One of many practical services available to men and women who visit Broad Street Ministry on Thursday afternoons for "Breaking Bread" is access to a clothing closet. At the moment supply and demand are not in balance and many are still wearing long sleeves and uncomfortably heavy clothes in the summer heat. They are in desperate need of lightweight clothing - slacks, shorts, capri pants, tee shirts, short sleeve and sleeveless tops of all variety. Gently used is just fine - but please make sure they are clean and in good repair. Contributions are being collected in bins set up in Fellowship Hall. Bring them on Sunday morning or any time the office is open (Monday through Thursday, 10:00 - 2:00). Thank you!
Chester Children's Chorus Concerts
Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 8:00 p.m. Lang Hall, Swarthmore College
If you have never been to a Chester Children’s Chorus Concert this might be just the time to start! At the end of a summer training session that includes welcoming new singers to the group, fun with John Alston learning tons about how music is put together as well as some new repertoire, this lively group of children grades 3 to 12 is eager to share some good music with the community. A Beatles medley, an excerpt from the classical favorite Carmina Burana, and a healthy helping of original gospel music will headline the summer concerts on Friday July 23 and Saturday July 24. Admission is free and the community is invited. The program’s variety reflects the chorus’ mission of inspiring children to love music of many genres by learning to present it in polished, sophisticated performances, said director John Alston. “The better the children perform, the more they love the music, and they continually surprise me with the breadth and sophistication of their musical taste,” he said. The Beatles medley will feature hits including “Yesterday,” “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Let it Be.” The classical portion of the program will include the first movement of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, and Vincent Persichetti’s Dominic Has a Doll, a setting of a poem by e.e. cummings. The concert will conclude with a rafter-raising set of gospel pieces that Dr. Alston wrote especially for the children. Information about the chorus and the concert is available at www.chesterchildrenschorus.org or 610-328-8180.