THE WOODLANDS UMC
APRIL 2017 EDITION
POINT A MESSAGE FROM
DON MEADOR PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
GOLDENAIRE CHOIR The Goldenaires are presently rehearsing their spring musical presentations, which will be a collection of songs called “Gospel Melodies.” The choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing and is always open to new members. A HISTORY OF THE GOLDENAIRES Senior Adult Choir of The Woodlands UMC
Lilian Macauley & Helen Downey
Valerie & Ken Ellis
Pat & Rich Cox
Elaine McDow
In November 1993, Doris and J.R. Carpenter invited a few people from the Friendship Sunday School Class to their home for informal singing of Christian hymns. Included were Wilma and Bob Oliver, Elizabeth and Jim Voran, Dallys and Bill Hercules and Peggy and Harold Kerr. Periodic nights at the Carpenter’s home with singing and snacks was great fun for the group. Doris Carpenter provided piano accompaniment. She and J. R. pre-selected some music to work on as well as some hymnal selections. After a few sessions of practice, the group sang a hymn for the Sunday School Class – and were asked for repeat performances. Joe McKinney, Music Director for the church at that time, heard about the group and expressed interest, so he was handed the nucleus of a senior choir in January of 1994. The choir membership grew and with McKinney’s direction, sang periodically for the early church service on Sundays. In 1995, an idea emerged that a trip could be undertaken to sing in retirement type establishments, nursing homes or churches in foreign countries. Marty Prince had an idea for a fund-raising project for choir members who needed financial help to make the trip. Three of the choir members funded the acquisition of specially designed shirts and caps. Approximately $12,000 was raised to offset some of the cost of the trip. Plans for the Goldenaires’ Bavarian trip were planned for the fall of 1996. However, in August 1996, Joe McKinney left The Woodlands UMC and Louise Kramer took over the direction of the choir. She accompanied the group on the trip, as well as Dr. and Mrs. Ed Robb. Pianist, Donna Ryan, and some friends of the choir went, as well. In addition to singing at The Woodlands UMC Chapel services and other gatherings, the group appears at more than 30 events throughout the year, including appearances at nursing homes, retirement residences and civic events. Currently, the choir has approximately 46 members, ages 55 and up. They rehearse every Tuesday afternoon in the spring and fall. The choir is under the direction of Stephen Jones with Beverly Parks accompanying on the piano. Twenty-five former members of the Goldenaires now sing with the Heavenly Choir.
Ever since the beginning of the Methodist movement in England, led by John and Charles Wesley, Methodist people have been a “singing people.” Charles wrote over 7000 hymns, which were attributed to be a part of the popularity of the rapidly growing revival. We will be singing one of the all-time favorite Wesley hymns in a few weeks as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” written in 1739, is sung more than any other Wesley hymn: Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! Speaking of singing, we are so pleased to recognize and give thanks for one of the most important groups in our Senior Adult Ministry, the Goldenaires Choir. This group of forty singers not only provide special music for our worship services but twice a year they sing throughout our community at over thirty different venues. We salute them and are so grateful for their faithful service in sharing the music of our faith and blessing the lives of so many. Perhaps at no other time of year do we have better reason to sing praises to our God for His love and grace as we celebrate the resurrection and the hope of life eternal. So, let us be true to our Methodist heritage by being “singing Methodists” as we sing for all the world to hear, “Christ the Lord is risen, Alleluia!” Have a blessed Easter season, Your Friend,