A Place for Songs

The 13th Annual Habitat for Humanity “Raise the Roof” Concert was held at The St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tannersville, PA on Sunday September 19th. The concert featured performances by choirs from numerous churches throughout the area. All proceeds taken throughout the evening benefited the work of The Monroe County Habitat for Humanity.

The Concert began with some welcoming words and prayers given and led by The Reverent Dr. Thomas Richards of The St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and continued with the singing of the hymn “God is Here.” Other Hymns followed throughout the concert as each choir got into position to sing. The first to do so was that of The First Presbyterian Church in Stroudsburg, PA under the direction of Patricia thor Straten-Mohr as accompanied by Michael Capone on Piano and Ashley Steen on Flute. They were followed by The Salem-St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kresgeville, PA under the direction of Ellen Erb. The Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Gilbert, PA Choir took the stage under the direction of Lindsey Blundetto. The Choir of The Mountainhome United Methodist Church in Mountainhome, PA performed under the direction of Jenny Galunic as accompanied by Maryann Miller on Piano. The individual choral performances came to a conclusion with that given by The St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tannersville, PA under the direction of Bob Riday as accompanied by Gary Raish on Piano and Bill Below on Drums.

The program continued with some words offered by Leslie M. Howes and others from The Monroe County Habitat for Humanity who shared news of the work they’re doing for the homeless in the area while asking for support for their endeavors. This was followed by a free will collection and the performance of the voices of the individual choirs combined into one. Their blend of vocal talents brought a thoughtful smile to many hearts and faces of those who attended the concert which was considerable in number. The performance of the combined choir was done so under the direction of Bob Riday as accompanied by Gary Raish on Organ, Lindsey Blundetto on Piano, and Ashley Steen on Flute. The concert ended with an invitation to partake of a reception in which an opportunity to chat with the participants and learn more about The Monroe County Habitat for Humanity.

It was an enjoyable concert and the picture you’ll find accompanying this article of from last year’s concert. I did bring my camera to take pictures, but I forgot to bring along some batteries. It’s nice to be reminded one does not have to be perfect or even awake to do what I do.

The St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tannersville, PA offers Spiritual Guidance and Solace to those who attend their weekly services. Please Explore their Website at www.stpaultannersvillepa.org or call 570-629-1990 for more information.

The Monroe County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. is a volunteer based, non-profit, ecumenical housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide by providing ownership of adequate housing to eligible families through no-interest mortgages. Their next event will be a Celebration Dinner held at The Chateau Resort in Tannersville, PA on Thursday October 7th beginning at 6pm. Please Explore The Monroe County Habitat for Humanity Website at www.habitatmc.org or call 570-476-9846 for more information.