Vivienne Bell Funeral Service

Vivienne C. Bell nee Maxwell, of Hartford passed away peacefully on Saturday (May 25, 2013) at Hartford Hospital. A Funeral Service was held on Friday, June 7th. This was a wonderful reunion of her family and friends. The church sanctuary was packed and the singing was, I am sure, wonderful to her ears.

Along with many floral tributes, this bamboo plant was given by the Karen community. "Being generous, just helping one’s relatives and being blameless in one’s actions; this is the best good luck." This saying attributed to Buddha surely gives an insight into Vivienne's life. She will truly be missed.

Patricia Vanette Dodge Memorial Service

Attended a beautiful memorial service today for Pat Dodge. She was a good friend and a wonderful person. The service here at her Central Baptist Church was well-attended and the speakers were all very thoughtful. The hymns and music were especially poignant. She will be remembered by all.

CELEBRATING OUR MINISTERS of MUSIC

Wonderful program today at church: Celebrating Our Ministers of Music. Kari Miller, Director of Music, gave an overview of the history of music at Central Baptist Church. Then three former music directors/organists spoke and played for us. Such a powerful program in the sanctuary. After the musical portion of the program, there was an unveiling of the pictures of all nine former organists. Then a wonderful reception in the church parlor where everyone got a chance to renew old acquaintances.

Four of the Music Directors/Organists that were present:

William R Gable
1953-1974

Lois Jungas
1974-1975

Bruce Henley
1983-1995

Richard Matteson
1996-2006

Karen 5th Anniversary Celebration

Wonderful celebration today at Central Baptist Church in honor of the arrival of the first Karen families five years ago. This was a blended service in English, Vietnamese, French, Spanish and Karen. Many visitors were present. A large contingent of Karen brothers and sisters from Albany, NY sang for us. This was truly a joyful day!

Ordination of Mr. Doan Ngoc Son

The ordination of Doan Ngoc Son [Sonny] was held today at the end of the service. Pastors John and Ich officiated and presented Sonny to the congregation. After answering to the questions presented he was officially named a pastor and received his robe. Members of the Vietnamese community sang 'Amazing Grace'. After the service the congregation was invited to a reception.

Youth Bell Choir

The Central Baptist Church Youth Bell Choir played during the service today. They played 'Where You There When They Crucified My Lord' for the Offertory and 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross' for the Postlude.

Middletown Gospel Fest

Caught the end of the First Annual Middletown Gospel Fest today on the green. Heard two groups: 'Wine and Water' and 'The Believers'. They were both great. Will make sure I get to attend the whole Fest next year!

chapel in the morning...

Every morning before class there were chapel services. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, the services were in English and on Thursday and Friday in Karen.

GLAD @CVOC Gala

GLAD, the a cappella quintet, will be the featured performers at the CVOC Gala on Sunday, October 11th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, CT.

Hope you will be able to attend. It is a wonderful evening to benefit the Benevolent Fund of the Covenant Village of Cromwell where I live.

Details to follow...

Stomp and Praise

Stomp and Praise: A Gospel Extravaganza



Went to this concert at Wesleyan University tonight. There were groups from Wesleyan and University of Connecticut performing. The featured performer for the first half of the program was the Kersten Stevens Experience. Kersten plays the electric violin and had performed at the Apollo in NYC and recently won a prize.

Nubian Gents and Feminine Fire ended the program. They were an exciting group. Their unique blend of rap, dance and spoken word got the audience to its feet. We really exercised our bodies in Jesus' name!

The highlight of the program for me was a liturgical dance piece by two Wesleyan students: Menherit Goodwyn and Nakeea Jordan. They were amazing. Their simple movements and concentration made for a beautiful tribute to the Lord. I could have watched them for an entire concert.

'Open the eyes of my heart...'

This is one of the songs we sang each morning before classes at JAMI.



It brings back fond memories of fellowship with the students there.