by Ruth Schwalm and Bonnie Seely

A record-breaking 398 members and guests gathered in the sanctuary of the Shiremanstown United Methodist Church to be uplifted by the music ministry of the Chi Rho Singers. Comprised of 50-60 men and women pastors in the Central Pennsylvania Conference, of whom 2/3 were present, the choir performs nine concerts yearly, one in each district. Chi Rho, the first two letters in the Greek name for Christ, was chosen by the singers to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music.

The group was directed by Rev. Paul Zieber and Rev. John Dromazos. Rev. David Dearing, organist, and Rev. Suella Barto, pianist, were the accompanists. Other instrumentalists included Rev. David Trostle, violinist, and Rev. Doug Eberly, bass violist. Various percussion instruments, including drums and tambourines, were used to accompany several numbers.

The service was opened with a Greeting and Invocation by the host pastor, Rev. John A. Ile. This was followed by a litany in which the pastor, congregation, and choir shared. The choir responded with "I Will Call Upon the Lord." The congregational hymn, "Come, Christians, Join To Sing," was sung with enthusiasm and joy.

After introduction of the choir’s directors and accompanists by President Rev. Linda Eshelman, the first half of the concert was begun with Rev. Paul Zieber conducting and Rev. John Rauch as narrator.

PART 1

 "Come, Worship God"    P. Williams, J. Martin

"What Shall I Bring to the Lord"     R. Lau

"Be Joyful and Sing to the Lord"    Jay Althouse

"Schindler’s List"    Arr. E. Crocker, assisted by David Trostle, violinist; solo words sung in Hebrew and Yiddish. 

"The Gospel of Grace"    Mark Hayes

"Washed Anew"    Accompanied by selected members of the SUMC bell choir. Sung in honor of Rev. William Snyder, who was present for the service, and a long-time member of the Chi Rho Singers.

"Take Me to Higher Ground"    Sung in memory of Rev. Mary Ann Lewellen, a young member of the choir who died two years ago.

During an intermission for the Choir, Rev. Ile was in charge of the Presentation of Gifts and Offerings, Doxology and Prayer of Dedication.

The second half of the concert was conducted by Rev. Dromazos and narrated by Rev. Linda Eshelman, President.

PART 2

"Jump with Joy Everlasting"    Women’s Ensemble

"We are Singing for the Lord is Our Light"    Zulu Traditional Song, Arr. Hopson

"Amen Siakudmisa"    Xhosa Melody, South Africa

"Jesus Paid it All"    Sung by men of the choir, Robert Sterling.

"As a Little Child"    J. Martin, with children in congregation participating

"Who Will Teach the Children"    J. Parker, III and A. Page

"Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi"    Soloist was Rev. Barry Robinson

"Jesus Is Calling"    Berta and Sonja Poorman, a medley of "Softly and Tenderly" and "Jesus is Calling You Home"

"Jesus is the Light of the World"    Sung in memory of Donald Stover.

The Chi Rho Singers expressed their appreciation for the hospitality and delicious refreshments and evening meal provided by the pastor and the Shiremanstown congregation.

The Service was closed with the following litany:

"Choir – We invite all who participated tonight in raising your voices in praise to God to continue this great work of spreading the Good News to the whole creation.

Congregation – We will take up the story day by day and make the message known so the song who lives in us may find a home in many hearts."

Prayer – Rev. Linda Eshelman

Choral Benediction – "A Parting Prayer"

Immediately following the concert, the Sunshine Sunday School Class hosted a fellowship time and provided a variety of delicious refreshments for all who attended.

It should be noted that pictures of this event were taken during the concert by our congregational photographer, James Domen. Also, in addition to Rev. Ile, two former pastors of the Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, Rev. Robert Reasey and Rev. Martin Trostle, sang with the group during this concert.

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