MINISTRIES

There is a ministry for everyone

Notes from the Music Director… 

       

   My heartfelt thanks go out to our July special musicians:  Bill Edington, fluegelhorn; Jennie Ortega, vocalist (and hymn leader); Laura Yurs, flute.  Thank you to Tom Rusch for providing our keyboard and accompanying special music during the month.  Weren’t Tom’s selections for Space Sunday delightful?  I’m so sorry that I wasn’t there, but I’m grateful that I could watch the recorded service.

   Senior Choir-is still on a well-deserved break for the summer. 

   Looking forward to next fall, we can always use more singers.  Have you ever thought about that sharing your gift of music in the choir or as a musician is an offering to God?  You do not have to be a church member or make a weekly commitment to be a part of the choir. High school age and above are welcome (and I would consider advanced 8th graders.)  Drop-ins are certainly welcome.  Start-up will be September 7th.  If you play and instrument, let me know, you never know when there might be an opportunity to play.

 

 Hal H. Hopson passes away at 92

     Hal Hopson, a great sacred music composer and arranger, passed away on July 21, 2025.  He was a friend, mentor, and a leader among Presbyterians, among many other denominations.  Hal Hopson wrote over 1,200 published pieces of music:  anthems, handbell music, hymns, organ and pian music, solos, psalm settings, and incidental music.

     In our New Century Hymnal he wrote #186-Dust and Ashes Touch Our Face which we typically sing on Ash Wednesday, and the choir sang his “He Was Wounded” during the 2025 Maundy Thursday service.  I’m sure there are several others in the choir library since he was a composer I knew I could count on for quality, but that one came to mind since it was done recently.  I know Tom has played many selections that have Hal’s name attached as a composer or arranger.

-- Juanita Edington

 

 

Summer Musicians Needed: 

September 21st

     If you know that you are going to be available on any of the dates listed and have a musical gift to share, please call or email so that I can get you in the calendar. 

     This is not restricted to church members, so if you wish to ask a friend or family member to join you, please feel free to consider sharing your love for music and God by providing special music..

Social Justice Team  

 

Our Social Justice Team started meeting on March 24th.   Our number one concern was "Poverty and Homelessness." 

  This group determined a feasible goal would be to look into establishing a warming shelter to provide a hospitable place in Watertown for those out in the cold. 

* Watch this space for the next Social Justice Team meeting.  Contact the church office with questions .     

Support Our Students  S.O.S.

Register July 21 - August 1

Distribution is August 11 & 12th at St. Henry's Gym

From the Coordinator of Children and Youth Ministries

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Ages Preschool - grade 5

Sunday school: Yay! It's the time of year that we start thinking about Sunday School. Our first day will be September 7th. Sunday school will begin at 9am and end at 9:45am so we can participate in worship service. Watch for registration forms on the Narthex table.

Youth Group 

WATCH THIS SPACE  for Youth Group activities.

The Confirmation Experience

Watch this space for 2025-26 school year.