“When in our music God is glorified,..” inspired the Music and Ministry Fest of the Mountain Maryland Ministry Group, Sunday, June 22. This evening of anthems, solos, banjo, and congregational singing was hosted by the Hancock Presbyterian Church. The Mountain Maryland Ministry (MMM) group of the Presbytery of Baltimore stretches from Emmitsburg to Frostburg with the PC(USA) congregations of Emmitsburg, Hagerstown, St. Andrew (Williamsport), Hancock, Cumberland, Barrellville and Frostburg.
Highlights of the Fest included an inspiring and powerful solo, Thankful (lyrics and music by Carole Bayer Sager, David Foster & Richard Page) by Mikayla Dodge, Soprano, accompanied by Judith Brown, Piano. Judith Brown is also the Director of the glorious and powerful Cumberland Women’s Choir. The Women’s Choir – Alexandria Blank, Mikayla Dodge, Alison Peters, Sopranos; Carolyn Mathews, Jane Westcott, Altos – lifted our souls with Gloria (Michael John Trotta), and Shalom (Dan Forrest) accompanied by Brenda Luger, Flute and Judith Brown, Piano.
Focused on faithfulness our lessons included John ( 3:16-17), Romans (5:1-5), Psalm 96, Jeremiah (17:7-8); liturgy and prayer led by Elder Stan Howes, CLP, First of Frostburg Presbyterian Church, Pastor Alison Peters, First of Cumberland Presbyterian Church; Chaplain Ron Martin-Minnich, Honorably Retired, and Pastor Terry Martin-Minnich, Hancock Presbyterian Church. We also were supported through prayer and contribution by Elder Lynda Lillard, and the congregation of Emmitsburg Presbyterian Church, Pastor Mark Sandell, and the congregation of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.
The Fest concluded with a lively rendition of I Shall Not Be Moved (arr. Alice Parker), a combined anthem with all the volunteer voices from the MMM Regional Group and the Hancock Church Choir – Amy McCarty, Dora Ridgeway, Rosie Ruppenthal, Sopranos; Carol Hendershot, Shirley Ruppenthal, Pat Spinoe, Altos; Ron Martin-Minnich, Tenor; Edwin Lacy, Bass; Shayna Warnick, Piano, Charlotte Carbaugh, Organist, directed by Pastor Terry Martin-Minnich, Hancock Presbyterian.
Following the Fest was the “feast” – all made their way to the Church’s Social Hall for an indoor picnic provided by all the MMM Congregations. We thank the Lord, our God, for this opportunity to celebrate with new and old friends the glory of God! “…Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always Alleluia!”
By Pastor Terry Martin-Minnich, Hancock Presbyterian Church
