MSG: Good to the Last Gazebo

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PCOM) in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented final installment of their 2012 series of Summer Gazebo Concerts on Sunday August 26th featuring a group called, “MSG” consisting of Matt Abell and Regina Sayles on vocals and guitars along with Skip Detrick on percussion. Those who gathered on the lawn to bid their farewell to the series were greeted by a harmonious array of music both originating from the talents of the musicians who presented them as well as well known songs written by established artists. All were performed congenially as they flowed upon the rays of an early evening of a late August sun touching those who leisurely absorbed them.

While each individual member of the band has performed as soloist as well with other musicians in the past, the converging of their talents made the Gazebo’s finale a memorable one as it seemed to bring to mind elements of every performance which appeared upon the little outdoor stage and in the Church’s Sanctuary when inclement weather prevailed. The concert stayed within it’s traditional 90 minute time frame but it seemed to become generously elongated as memories inspired by the trio flooded the senses. These memories combined with the unique qualities of the August 26th performance as the musical abilities of the musicians shone through to create new memories inspired by the songs they performed including some insightful pieces relating to aspects of modern life.

However, the concert did come to an end and, with it, another season of wonderful and meaningful experiences. Appreciations were shared with the musicians as goodbyes were shared among the many friends who’ve become known to each other during the 2012 season. I was one of the last to leave the site and noticed a scene that will stay with me for some time to come. It was an empty field surrounding a gazebo filled with musicians packing up their instruments while the sun began its final decent over the horizon. My camera was already packed away for it’s journey home but that was not why a sadness touched my heart. You’ll be able to find more photographs I took during The MSG concert before packing away my camera in The PCOM 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151016062390421.483748.636000420&type=1.

According to their website, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain is "… a community of disciples illuminated by God’s love who care for others spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially as we explore new avenues of grace and grow in faith through worship and service." In an endeavor to manifest the goals of this statement, they hold weekly services every Sunday beginning at 10am, providing a hostel for those hikers who travel along the Appalachian Trail as well as holding a Hikers’ Dinner every Thursday evening throughout the Summer Months to replenish their energies, supporting the Kenyan village of Amilo by providing a school feeding program for 15 orphans, a well, housing, and simple medical care and information to the villagers, and by sharing a partnership with the Reformed Church located in Cardenaz, Cuba. They also support the local Fire Company and Women’s Resources Center as well as provide community aid funds for residents who are suffering economic burdens. The size of the congregation is approximately 200 people.

The Summer Gazebo Concert Series began in 1990 and is presented every Sunday evening throughout the Summer months until the end of August in order to support the local musicians and provide a venue where all ages could learn to appreciate Jazz and acoustic music. In reflection of Delaware Water Gap, PA being considered a Mecca for Jazz, the concerts has a great number of Jazz performances in their schedule. However, all musical styles are showcased during the summer which includes Blue Grass and Classical Music. The MSG concert served to be final installment in The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Summer Gazebo Concert Series for 2012. The next series is scheduled to begin on a Sunday Evening during the month of June in 2013 and will conclude on the final Sunday in August 2013. The concert is free to the public and begins at 6pm. Please Explore The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Presbyterian-Church-of-the-Mountain/234593743269661 for more information.