Raising a Habitat

The Annual “Raise the Roof” Choral Concert combining several churches took place at The St. Paul’s Lutheran Church* in Tannersville, PA to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County* on Sunday September 20th. An evening of sacred music met supporters of this worthy cause whose mission it to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness worldwide by providing ownership of adequate housing to eligible families through no-interest mortgages.

After an opening prayer and a few opening remarks given by the Reverend Dr. Thomas E. Richards, Jr. of the host church, the evening began with choral selections presented by The First Presbyterian Church located in Stroudsburg, PA under the direction of Patricia thor Straten-Mohr with Anne Austell and Michael Capone serving as accompanists on Piano. The evening then continued with choral performances by The Blakeslee United Methodist Church located in Blakeslee, PA under the direction of Julie Kerrick Geiser, Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church located in Gilbert, PA under the direction of by Lindsey Blundetto, St. The Paul’s Lutheran Church located in Craigs Meadow, PA under the direction of Mildred Kleiber, and concluded with The St. Paul’s Lutheran Church* under the direction of Bob Riday* with Gail Hines and Kathryn Raish serving as accompanists on Piano.

Once the performances of the individual choirs were completed, they combined their voices to form one large choir presenting three magnificent pieces under the direction of Bob Riday* accompanied by Anne Austell and Gail Hines on Piano, Gary Raish* on Organ, and Bill Bellows on Drums. The concert concluded with some remarks by Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County* Executive Director Leslie M. Howes and others and with a Benediction given by the Reverend Dr. Thomas E. Richards, Jr. and the combined choir. A meet and greet followed which provided many to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County*, the work it does, and how to become more involved.

The websites of The St. Paul’s Lutheran Church* in Tannersville, PA is www.stpaultannersvillepa.org and Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County* is www.habitatmc.org. Please Explore their Websites for more information. You’ll find more photographs on The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.