Organist Joan Bauer is Retiring ...August 1, 2012 is a special day for Joan Bauer and Kishwaukee church. After fifty (50) years as church organist and nineteen (19) years as choir accompanist, Joan is retiring. For many of us, it is difficult to imagine this kind of commitment to volunteer service. As organist, Joan plays the organ for services every third week. For nine months out of the year, Joan accompanied the adult choir during Wednesday night practices, twice a month for Sunday services, and special services throughout the year. In addition to choir practices and Sundays, Joan also played the organ for weddings and funerals, too many to count. All of these services meant a lot of music, so Joan also practiced at home or church to prepare.

I had the honor of interviewing Joan to learn more about the last 50 years. Fifty years, where else do we start but at the beginning!

When asked how Joan became interested in playing the organ, she explained that she started taking piano lessons from Mrs. Eyster when she was nine years old. Mrs. Eyster drove to Stillman and gave lessons in the homes of her students. When Joan was 16 and able to drive, she began taking organ lessons from Mrs. Eyster at the church because she did not have an organ at home. After a year of organ lessons, Joan began playing for church services. She doesn’t recall the cost of the lessons, but she’s pretty sure that each lesson cost less than a gallon of gas these days.

Who encouraged Joan to play the piano and organ? Joan’s father has this honor. He also played

the piano when he was young. When Joan was in grade school and high school, children didn’t have all of the activities to participate in like they do today. Playing the piano and eventually the organ was an activity that kept Joan busy and always learning.

How many organs Kishwaukee had over the years? Joan and Warren McGhee have been reminiscing about the last 50 years. They recalled that the current organ, which is an “Allen” and was given in memory of Floyd Wetterstrom. Prior to this organ, Kishwaukee had a “Wurlitzer.” Having only two organs over the last 50 years is pretty amazing. I wonder if the new organs could last this long?

Is there a funny or memorable moment that comes to mind from the years of playing the organ? Joan recalls one time going to church and finding out by reading the bulletin that she was supposed to be the organist. This was a surprise! She very calmly walked to the front, opened and turned on the organ, and proceeded to choose the music for the prelude continued on page 3

Volume 27, Number 4 JULY - AUGUST 2012

There will be a Reception to Honor Joan Bauer’s

years of service on Sunday, August 5

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SOMA NEWSis the bi-monthly publication of the Kishwaukee Community Presbyterian Church, 8195 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman

Valley, Illinois.Office: 815-965-1940FAX: 815-965-2746Email: office@kishonline.orgWeb Site: www.kishonline.org

“SOMA” is the Greek word used in the New Testament

when it describes the church as the “Body of Christ.”

CHURCH OFFICERSPASTOR: Dr. L Rus Howard

YOUTH DIRECTOR: Michael Smith

ADMIN ASSISTANT: Linda Vandiver

TREASURER: Lorene Stivers

CHOIR DIRECTOR: Brad Owen

WORSHIP TEAM LEADER: Bobby Wessel

NURSERY DIRECTOR: Elaine Nicholson

SESSIONCLERK: Pat BastianSESSION:Pat Bastian Brian Brooks

Michael Glendenning Joe Johnson

Nancy Kester Larry Larson

Melanie Mays Susan Moon

Kevin Pavlik Andy Phillips

Shawn Reynolds Sandy Williams

DEACONSAnita Bartscher Becky DeShazo

Kim Hanna Cindy Jennings

Rhonda King Greg Linscheid

Kris Mueller Karen Pavlik

Sheri Pearson Bonnie Pulfer

Cindy Quick Jennifer Wise

BUILDING & GROUNDSTom Harms Mike Larson

Tom Messer Jeff Mickey

Brad Pearson Mark Tanaglia

Bryan Vandiver Curt Werckle

UPCOMING WORSHIP THEMESJuly - August 2012

Sunday, July 1If My People Will Pray2 Chronicles 7:11-22Pastor Rus, preaching

Celebration of the Lord’s Supper

Sunday July 8Release of the CaptivesThe Book of PhilemonPastor Rus, preaching

Sunday July 15Stars without Light and Clouds without RainThe Book of JudePastor Rus, preaching

Sunday July 22 Youth Sunday Michael Smith, preaching

Sunday July 29 Persevering in Being Still Matthew 11:17 Sandy Williams, preaching

Sunday August 5 On God’s Mission Ron Gartner, preaching Celebration of the Lord’s Supper Reception Honoring Joan Bauer

Sunday August 12Build the HouseThe Book of HaggaiPastor Rus, preaching

Pastor Rus AwayPastor Rus and Rori will be away July 16-31 for their son Jeff’s Wedding and to spend time with family and friends. If you know of or have a pastoral need during his absence, please contact the Church office and one of the Elders. They will make sure that the pastoral care and ministry of the congregation is provided for you and others in their time of need.

Our Next Alpha- New Member Classbegins Sunday September 9, 2012

Contact Pastor Rus or The Church Office for more information

Next Soma NewsThe next issue of The Soma News will be mailed on Monday August 13, and will include information about all of our ministries starting up with the beginning of the school year. The deadline for submission of materials for this issue will be on Thursday August 9.

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Organist Retiring, continued

and offertory. From that point on, Joan always checks before Sunday to see if she is the organist.

Just out of curiosity, I asked if Joan wears shoes to play the organ. She explained that she has always played in stocking feet because it is easier to feel the pedals. This means that when she is the organist and the choir sings, she has to quickly slip on her shoes or walk in stocking feet to the piano. Did you notice?

Many of us have favorite hymns, and Joan is no exception. There was no hesitation when Joan stated that Amazing Grace is her favorite hymn out of the hundreds that she has played.

Now we know how Joan started playing the piano and organ, but how did she begin playing for the choir? Unfortunately, Kathy Larson who accompanied the choir broke her wrist at Christmas time in 1994. The choir was going to sing the “Messiah”, so Joan had 2-3 weeks to learn all of that music. For those of you who are familiar with “Handel’s Messiah,” you know that the “Hallelujah Chorus” is no walk in the park! Joan noted that starting as an accompanist with this music was a bit of a stretch. We are so blessed that she took up the challenge and stayed with it!

Over the nineteen years, how many choir directors have been at Kishwaukee Church? This was not a difficult question, because there were only two, Connie McGhee and Brad Owen. Brad came to Kish while Trevor Smith was pastor.

Choirs usually have a favorite song, so the accompanist must also. Joan jokingly says, “As the Deer” (choir joke.) But seriously, she thinks about the “Hallelujah Chorus”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and the latest version of “Joy to the World.” These are great and challenging songs, but she recalls her favorite and most challenging is “Last Seven Words” at Easter, on the organ, and Pastor Trevor sang a tenor solo.

When asked about choir memories, she states that Easter, Christmas, and Memorial Day are always memorable and she really enjoys the music associated with these special services. Along with these special days, Joan also traveled with the choir to New York in

May of 2004. Although she didn’t play or sing at Carnage Hall, she supported us and helped us learn our parts for the “Requiem.” Choir members and friends went to a few Broadway musicals, and were able to visit Ground Zero just a few years after 9-11. Joan will always remember seeing the memorials and how people were affected by this event.

As the interviewer, I’d like to share a fond memory of when Joan accompanied the Junior Children’s Choir for the Christmas program when Sara Pearson was unable to play for us. This was a big commitment with the Wednesday and Saturday practices, not to mention all of the energy that we had to channel into the program. Thanks again Joan!

So why have you continued to accompany the choir all of these years? Joan explains that she loves to see the choir grow musically. They start with a challenging piece and make it sound very good, even though many of the members don’t read music. It is rewarding to see what the choir learns over the years.

Joan reflects, “As an accompanist, I know what the choir has to learn and sometimes I think we take it for granted that the choir does a good job.”

When thinking about retiring, what thoughts come to mind? Joan states that 50 years has gone by very fast! The time spent with the choir has been more years than she expected when she looked back to figure it out. Joan and Warren have joked that they would keep playing the organ until they have a stroke and fall over at the keyboard. (We pray that this won’t happen.)

Joan reaffirms, “I have enjoyed volunteering. I believe we use the gifts we are given. I’ll miss it, but I’ll get used to it.”

On behalf of Kishwaukee Church, thank you Joan for 50 years of volunteer service! We appreciate you sharing your gifts with the congregation and your commitment to serve where God has placed you.

Thank you and God Bless!

Written by Nancy Kester

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Photo Album

The Amazing Wonders Vacation Bible School took place at Kishwaukee Church on June 18 through June 22. Eighty-one families, 145 students, and 60 helpers participated! To view these photos in color visit the church website www.kishonline.org and choose Soma News from the Resources pull down menu.

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As we begin to think about school starting up again, the Faith In Action administrators are excited to begin another year. We will continue to meet on most Wednesday nights beginning in September and continuing through the end of March. Registration for FIA will be a little different this year. We are going to have a registration table set up in the narthex at church August 12th, 19th and 26th. Our first meeting will be August 22nd and we will enjoy pizza and a sundae bar. This will be a time of fellowship and also an informational meeting for parents so please plan to attend. (You may also register your children at this meeting) We are continuing to use the curriculum entitled, The Amazing Journey from Genesis to Revelation, and the students will continue to have

bible time, praise and worship time, small group time and a short game. We will also continue to give the students an opportunity to memorize weekly scripture and those students who complete at least 90% of their verses will be invited to a special outing at the end of the year.

We would like to see our midweek program get back to more of a family event. Therefore, if your student is eating dinner on Wednesday nights, we are asking that at least one parent attend. If neither parent is able to attend, please talk with one of the administrators. In an effort to make this more possible for families, we are reducing the cost of dinner to $2 per person. Please also look for a sign-up in the narthex for where you could help on Wednesday nights

during the program. We will be looking for small group leaders, table parents, kitchen helpers, and a few people to run the game. Please feel free to contact any of us with questions. Thanks so much!

Angel Ballard 621-4580

Amber McClendon 222-3291

Julie Glendenning 739-7098

FAITH IN ACTIONKishwaukee’s Mid-Week Ministry

NURSERY SCHEDULE

8:30 Service 10:00 Service

July 1 Molly Engelkes Amanda Kester

July 8 Nathan & Julie Boelkins Ashley Phillips

July 15 Jill Swanson Kim Hiort & Ashley Richards

July 22 Paul & Carrie Gibson Amanda Kester

July 29 Al & Heather Alderks Brenda Miles

August 5 Angel & Alexa Ballard Malynnda Mueller

August 12 Rich & Kim Hanna Brian & Janet Hall

August 19 Kris & Jennifer Mueller Amy Mershon

August 26 Molly Engelkes Amanda Kester

KPW ScheduleTuesday, July 36:30 Regular Meeting held at the churchHostess: Connie McGheeBible Study: Dolores Brooks (Ch. 6 Becoming a Woman of Simplicity)

Tuesday, August 7 6:00 Picnic for Rockford Rescue Mission Women’s Care Center (KPW - 5:30)at the Davis Junction Park PavilionHostess: Everyone -- Bring Picnic food and supplies.

Rock House Kids Collection ItemsJuly -- Peanut Butter Crackers, Cheese CrackersAugust -- Fruit roll ups, cups, snacks or raisins

Bring items to church and put in boxes marked in the Narthex. KPW ladies will take to Rock House mission after the last Sunday of each month. Thank you!

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BIRTHDAYS  IN  JULY1 Evan Meeks2 Catherine Canciamille Matthew Williams3 Dave Carlson Kristin Gensler Brent Pearson4 Pat Hanna Tatum Glendenning Bonnie Pulfer5 Brittany Hall Aaron Davis6 Janell Lewellen Jodi Beck7 Linda Swanson8 Amanda Kester9 Joan Martin Ashley Koenig Brianna Koenig George Stevens11 Cheri Davis Madeline Larsen Debbie Hahn12 Jennifer Gorsegner Suzanne Bunger Kylie Swanson13 Nick Wagner Brennan Showers14 Megan Tyler Roger Quick Lori Martin Anna Rainwater15 Hanna Wallin16 Troy Kutz Sherry Werckle17 Adam Glendenning Curt Werckle18 Nile McCammond19 Katherine Prusator

Zach Owen22 Raina Ruthe23 Dave Brooks Keenan Lewellen24 Steve Fakhoury Marcia Larson 25 Kipton Bucey Matthew Fakhoury Sarah Langston Lisa Williams Lauren Key26 Chris Amundson Randy Moore TJ Myelle27 Karl Hilliard 28 Erin Wyckoff29 Garrett Adkins30 Harriette Steder Carley Frost31 Connie McGhee Meleah Sheridan Rachel Breck Boone Alderks Jean Sherwood

BIRTHDAYS  IN  AUGUST1 Ayden Bishop2 Camden Bucey Dirk Wagner Sandy Brooks Russell Stone3 Thelma Collins Sandra Glendenning Sean O'Neil Jill Swanson Rachel DeVries4 Karl Glendenning Billy Moore Alexa Ballard Pat Bastian5 Nicole Gorsegner Joe Johnson Tabitha Gilbert6 Elyse Adkins Pete Beck7 Carly Koenig Carolyn Kutz Paul Gibson8 Orion Peterson Carson Showers9 Heath Strohman Marin Meiners10 Jerry Hanna11 Madilyn Lantz13 Kevin Hachmeister Lucky Larson Jean Ruthe14 Rich Gocken15 Bryan Vandiver Will McGhee16 Jody Bennett Amelia Mueller Addison Mueller17 Wendy Clabough Bill Gensler Warren McGhee18 Tyler Gorsegner

20 Scott Nicholson Melany Hamilton 22 Jim Moon

23 Herb Herbeck Ryan Bauer Bill Langston24 Kim Hiort, Madison

Swenson25 Gary Miles Wade Hoffman26 Cassady Palmer Michael Hahn27 Beth Glendenning28 Becky DeShazo29 Michelle Hilliard Trevor Smith Mary Scott30 Wes McClendon31 Marilyn Holsinger, David Wise Ellen Larson

ANNIVERSARIES  IN  JULY1 Bill & E.J. Gensler2 Brad & Sheri Pearson6 Tim & Rhonda King7 Eric & Maxine Geil8 Mike & Debbie Hahn9 Marty & Dawn Typer12 Michael & Julie Glendenning12 Jeremy & Janesa Gravenstein13 Roger & Lisa Bauer16 Ben & Kelly Price18 Jeff & Lori Cox22 Troy & Sue Kutz22 Brian & Kati Glidden23 Bill & Sue Busser23 Rich & Kim Hanna23 Danny & Danielle Schaefer24 Tom & Jenna Myers30 Bill & Linda Langston

30 Al & Heather Alderks

ANNIVERSARIES  IN  AUGUST1 Todd & Mary DeVries4 Allen & Sharon Ockerlander5 Michael & Jennifer Smith6 Mark & Kim VanBuskirk8 Alf & Delores Forsberg10 Mike & Michelle Thomason11 Dale & Patricia Johnson12 Steve & Anita Bartscher13 Michael & Ashley Craglow15 Rich & Becky Gocken16 Wes & Amber McClendon17 Brian & Sandy Brooks18 Nathan & Julie Boelkins19 Kevin & Karen Pavlik20 Adam & Alyssa Book21 Warren & Connie McGhee 22 John & Kay Blake22 Rus & Rori Howard23 Mark & Cheri Davis25 Greg & Vickie Hilliard26 Greg & Lori Linscheid28 Paul & Mary Maas28 Jim & Linda Swanson29 Kevin & Karen Pavlik30 Tom & Lori Fennel30 Lewis & Myrna Riley31 Doug & Sandy Kunce31 Mike & Debbie Hoffman31 Mark & Sandy Tanaglia

Birthdays and Anniversaries

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

OPEN Most days about 9 or 10

Occasionally as early as 7, ButSOMEDAYS as late as 12 or 1.

WE CLOSE about 5:30 or 6. Occasionally about 4 or 5, But sometimes as late

as 11 or 12.

SOMEDAYS or afternoons, we aren’t here at all andLately I’ve been here just about all the time,

Except when I’m someplace else.

this joke has been brought to you by Earl