CHOIRS

photo courtesy of Michael Ghitelman
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The music program at RPC consists of two vocal choirs -- the Chancel Choir and the Junior Choir -- and the Handbell Choir.

• The Chancel Choir provides music for the regular Sunday worship service at 10:00 A.M. as well as special seasonal programs during Advent, Christmas (shown above), Lent and Easter . The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings, late September through early May, from 7:45-9:30 p.m. in the choir room. Our music director and organist, Kevin Walters, conducts the choir which welcomes volunteers.  
  

• The Children’s Choir of Rye Presbyterian Church is composed of children in grades 1-6.  The choir rehearses on Tuesdays from 3:45-4:30 in the Chapel, and performs on a regular basis in the 10:00 Sunday Morning Services.  In addition to serving on Sundays, the Choir spearheads the annual Christmas Pageant, collaborates with the Chancel Choir, performs in the community, and presents a formal concert in the late spring.  As a member of the Children’s Choir, the children make new friends, develop their musical and performance skills, and serve the church community through the arts.  The Children’s Choir is directed by Amanda Hanzlik.

  Interested families may contact the church office or Amanda Hanzlik, 967-0842, ext. 24, for more information.

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  photos courtesy of Michael Ghitelman
  
  Children's Choir, Adult Choir with Children's Choir, Children's Christmas Pageant.
   

• The Handbell Choir is directed by Mr. Walters, and meets on Wednesday evenings, October through early May, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the balcony over the narthex. We perform at the Tree Lighting Dinner in December, and several other times during the year:

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photos courtesy of Michael Ghitelman

We are always eager to add new members to our music program.  Your participation is invited and encouraged, and a warm welcome awaits you!  Contact Kevin Walters if you would like more information.  

    
Music Director and Organist Kevin Walters.

WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION

The Women's Association offers continuing opportunities for women of RPC and the community to meet in fellowship, study, devotion, and service, and fun family events as well.  

 click here for the
2006-2007 Calendar of Events & Board Meetings

The association also organizes an annual Lenten Program and supports the Interfaith Council.  Contact: Kristin Jautz or Nonie Reich, co-presidents.

The Women's Association maintains a Thrift Shop downstairs, open on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Donations are always needed, and monies raised are used to support local outreach programs, through grants awarded in June.  

Grant Program - 2008

The Rye Presbyterian Church Women’s Association is pleased to launch their 2008 Outreach Grants Program on February 25th.  Applications will be sent to those who have previously benefited from the program in the past.  In addition, applications will also be available at the front desk or can be requested by email from Gabby McCree at gabmccree1@aol.com.  Completed grant applications are due March 24.

Historically the program has focused on non profit, community organizations and programs in the Westchester County area. Last year the Women’s Association funded over 25 small grants totaling $30,000 with a focus on health and human services, at risk youth programs, services for women, families and children as well as the elderly. 

Proceeds for the grants program come from the earnings of our thrift shop at Rye Presbyterian Church which sells household goods, china, glassware, jewelry, toys, paintings and prints, and many other items to raise money for charity. The Thrift Shop, under the umbrella of the RPC Women’s Association, is staffed completely by volunteers, both members and non-members of the church. It is a completely grass-roots effort that has been extremely successful for an extended period of time.

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photos courtesy of Michael Ghitelman

June 2005 Grants Award Garden Party in the Grape Arbor

WORSHIP & MUSIC COMMITTEE

The Worship and Music Committee works with the pastors in the supervision of all public worship at RPC.  The committee works with the pastor and the Director of Music in the development of a music program which will enhance the experience of worship and fellowship in the congregation.  The committee welcomes congregational participation in worship and on the committee as well.  Contact:  Chris Connor.

SPECIAL MUSIC PROGRAMS

Watch for upcoming events.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE COMMITTEE

Under the aegis of the Board of Deacons, the committee works to encourage the overall fellowship of the church and the full participation in the life of the church by the entire membership.  The committee oversees the 
            Fall Picnic, 
            Tree Lighting Dinner, as well as the 
            New Member Program.  
The committee also brainstorms ideas to better connect the church family, forming short-term task forces to bring ideas to fruition.  One outcome of that started in 2001: 
            Care Packages to the church's college freshmen.  
Ideas and volunteers are always welcome.  Contact: Nancy Jenkins-Kennedy.

Tree Lighting December 2004.