A Joyous Autumn Night

The Cherry Lane United Methodist Church in Tannersville, PA held a choral concert on Sunday October 20th titled, “Music at Cherry Lane…Autumn Sounds of Music” featuring vocalists and musicians from three area churches. The evening consisted of music relating to the Christian Faith and proved to be an uplifting experience for those who subscribe to it. The songs and the choirs’ rendition of the work was pleasing to the ear regardless of the philosophical or religious tenets one held.

After some welcoming words provided by Pastor Heidi Silliman of the host church and a Hymn titled, “Praise to the Lord, Almighty” was sung by all present for the concert, the performances began with the choir from the Blakeslee, PA United Methodist Church under the direction of Julie Kerrick Geiser. Their presentation commenced with an energetic piece titled, “Send Down Your Spirit, Lord.” The group ended with a piece titled, “What a Friend” featuring a duet sung by Joan Rinker and Jim Werkheiser accompanied by Gary Raish on Piano and Bob Riday on Flute.

The next choir to perform was from the Neola, PA United Methodist Church under the direction of Susan Lawson with musical accompaniment provided by Nelda Pollack. Their first selection was titled, “Let The People Sing Hosanna” which included African Drumming. Their finale was an instrumental piece played gleefully by Gary Raish on Organ and Bob Riday on Piano.

The final choir to perform was from the host church who shared the sanctuary with a number of friends. The gathering of singers were under the direction of Terry Rapp with musical accompaniment provided by Gary Raish on Piano. The first selection was titled, “Lord, Be My Rock” which was followed by an exuberant piece titled, “Shout Amen.” Julie Kerrick Geiser performed a solo piece loosely based upon “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” attributed to a teacher who lived around the year 30 CE (Common Era) named Joshua (aka Jesus) which is recorded in the Gospel according Luke beginning with the 11th verse of the book’s 15th chapter.

The program continued with some words shared by Terry Rapp regarding how the concert came into being along with some encouragement to those in attendance to participate in their home church choirs. This was followed by an offering accompanied by a piece titled, “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” as performed on French Horn by Jenny Galunic. The Hymn titled, “Come, Christian, Join to Sing” was sung the gathering.

After the singing of the hymn, the choirs of the three participating churches combined their voices under the direction of Bob Riday with musical accompaniment provided by Judy Munoz. The selection of the songs and the performance of them proved to be an arousing finale to the evening. Afterwards, Pastor Heidi Silliman shared some closing appreciations and a verbal Benediction while the choir sang an arrangement of “It is Well with My Soul” as its Benediction. Those who attended the concert were invited to partake of some refreshments in the church’s fellowship area. You’ll find more photographs taken during the concert in the Special Events 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151513384020421.546231.636000420&type=3.

The Cherry Lane United Methodist Church in Tannersville, PA #was built in 1866. Prior to this, members of the congregation met in homes and a one room school house to share their faith. A front entrance, a bell, and stained glass windows were added to the structure in the early 1900s. Renovations to the building in order to accommodate the growth of the congregation and its ministries continue to take place. You can learn more about The Cherry Lane United Methodist Church and all it has to offer the community by exploring their website at www.cherrylanechurch.com.