by Jill Boday

Cathy (Cormier) Seiler stopped by on May 10 to give some of our members a mini workshop (and to buy some tomato plants!) She showed us four-in-hand techniques, and we learned a lot in a short amount of time. We hope to have her and some of her ringing colleagues back soon!

On May 25, the small handbell choir visited Pastor Emily’s church, the United Parish of Upton! We performed Amazing Grace, Be Thou my Vision, and Go Now in Peace for their congregation. It was wonderful to be in their service, listening to Pastor Emily’s sermon about Selah, or the Holy Pause. Thank you to UPU for inviting us to play!

Save the date: On Sunday, June 29 at 3pm five of our handbell choir members will be performing at the biennial Handbell Festival/Conference at Worcester State! This will feature about 300 handbell musicians playing all together!! You don’t want to miss this performance!!

The Handbell Choir will be taking a break for the month of June. We will be back soon, and plan to perform on July 13. This will be at the conclusion of Vacation Bible School, so I hope to have a small group of children playing chimes that day as well! I will incorporate a lot of music, including handchimes, during our Vacation Bible School week, July 7-11. Join us!

I wish to thank all of the members of the Handbell Choir for another successful year of ringing: Denise, Margaret, Sally, Martha, Joan, Pat, Marilyn, Jan, Teri, and April, as well as Missy, Matt, and Mason! We have performed often, and learned a lot this year. I really appreciate your time, energy, talent, and enthusiasm. Thank you!