Updated 8-22-08

programs at Keene Valley Congregational Church UCC

 

 

New à EMERGENCY FUNDS

 

This year has been financially challenging to all.  Yet, some people are suffering and may need food, fuel oil (all types), or clothing.  We have set aside a sum of money in our budget to try to address these needs.  If you know someone who is struggling and could use a little assistance (confidential) please contact our Minister or have the person contact him.

 

New à  Quarterly Meal Fundraisers 

 

We have this wonderful kitchen and want to build fellowship and raise funds by putting on quarterly meals.  The next opportunity is for lunch on Sunday, November 23, beginning at 11:30 am.  Funds raised at this meal will be given to “Friends of Tom V.”  This group helps to raise money to keep at 67 year old local man in the Neighborhood House.  If you have an idea for a meal or would like to help, contact our office at 576-4711 or kvcc@kvvi.net.

 

New à Sunday school, nursery and youth group

 

Currently we are offering Sunday School every week for Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.  Nursery care is provided for those younger.  The third Sunday of each month there is a Pizza and Movie Night for grades 6-12.  All youth, Keene and beyond, are welcome to attend.

 

adult education

 

     Each Saturday morning from 9:00 – 10:00 am “Faith and Issues” meets in the Manse.  They choose a book, article or video and engage in lively discussion.  One goal of this group is to be welcoming to all opinions without judgment.  If you would like to attend or have questions contact Karen Glass at 576-2058 or kglass28@kvvi.net.

 

Music and the arts

 

If you have a musical talent you would like to share, please contact Rob Hastings, our Music Director at rivermede1@aol.com or (518) 576-4686.

 

The KVCC ChoirS and orchestra

 

We take great pride in our choirs and are fortunate in this rural setting to have a thriving and talented group of singers and bell ringers.  Rob Hastings is one of the reasons.  As Music Director, Rob works with people of all abilities and shapes them into a joyous and spirited choir.  Maybe most important to choir members is that they are having fun!  There have been Sundays where our choir swells to twenty four  members and others where a group of twelve sings bravely.  They lead us in worship and enhance our experience of the Holy whenever they sing.  The choir meets on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 9:00 am for rehearsal.  Our Bell Choir practices and performs on an irregular schedule.  Please check our calendar to find out when it meets or performs next.  Everyone is welcome to be part of our choirs.  Contact Rob Hastings for more information at rivermede1@aol.com  or (518) 576-4686.

 

NEW !!  All Family Choir Sunday.  Every so often we gather adults and children to practice and sing in the church choir.  The next date for this is Sunday, November 9 at 9:45 am.  Julie Robinson is back by popular demand to lead this choir.

 

SORT OF NEW !!     KVCC and Friends Orchestra/Ensemble.  We have discovered a number of people who like to play music together.  They range in all abilities and ages.  Practices are now happening on Thursdays at 5:00 pm in the church.  If you play an instrument and would like to participate, contact Jim Huneycutt at 891-3135

 

The KVCC Organist and Pianist

 

Betsy Stinson is our very talented organist and pianist.  She accompanies the choir, congregational singing and performs at special events.  Betsy leads us through a very moving Lenten meditation each year, is the host and facilitator of our fall “Special Music Evening” and has accompanied violin, flute, cello... and even the bagpipe in our church.  We have a good electronic organ and 32 note chime and are fortunate to have a Steinway Grand that was recently been refurbished.  Many artists, while in the area, come down to the church to use our piano for practice and performances.  If you have questions about our instrumental program or an idea please contact Betsy at kvcc@kvv.net of (518) 576-4711.

 

concerts and performances at KVCC

 

The acoustics of our sanctuary, seating for 120 and off street parking make KVCC an ideal venue for performances on all kinds.  Many of our concerts are brought to us through the East Branch Friends of the Arts (www.eastbrancharts.org).  We have enjoyed artists from the Meadowmount School (www.meadowmount.com),  Seagle Colony (www.seaglecolony.com), and renowned individuals like cellist Ovidiu Marinescu (www.marinescu.com), soloist Deborah Lynn Cole (www.deborah-cole.de/en),  Celtic harper Martha Gallagher (www.adkharper.com), soloist Atea Ring accompanied by Russell Ames, Ugandan Youth Dancers and many, many other fine artists. 

 

In addition to music we have presented and hosted a number of plays and readings.  These have included “Emmanuelle”, “Amahl”,  and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to name a few.  We are currently remodeling our sanctuary to enhance our experience of worship and to provide a more usable space for performances.  If you would like to use our sanctuary please contact us at 576-4711 or kvcc@kvvi.net.

 

Quilters

 

Our quilters meet in the Van Santvoord Room every Monday morning.  If you would like to come or have questions, contact Pat Bigelow at 576-9908 or patbigelow@yahoo.com.