Heavenly tones, high spirits

By the time the 10 a.m. service ended on Feb. 19, members of the congregation were on their feet, clapping their hands and, in some cases, even dancing in the aisles.

This was no ordinary service — this was Jazz Sunday providing a Mardi Gras-like atmosphere on the final Sunday before Lent.

Stephen Bither once again gathered his musical friends to provide New Orleans-style jazz before, during and after the service. With Stephen leading from the piano, he was joined by Pete Aranson on the drums, Peter Lord on the sax, Peter Dunphy on the banjo, Eric Anderson on the tuba, and Roger Snow on the trombone. During certain numbers, the group also was joined by Gail Parker and Faith York on the organ.

Choir Director Faith York joins the jazz ensemble as a spirited vocalist.

The church choir got into the act, joining the jazz ensemble for a number of its songs and Choir Director Faith York added a solo to the very special service.

And as if the jazz didn’t provide enough sweetness on a sunny Sunday morning, a pancake breakfast was served after the service, complete with fresh maple syrup and sausage.

A pancake breakfast followed the Jazz Sunday service.

A full house for the pancake breakfast was kept happy — and full — thanks to free-flowing pancakes and sausage provided by the kitchen staff of Bryan Connelly, Steve Hill, Chris DeSantis, Brenda Simpson and others.

Rev. Ruth Morrison enjoys the final number of the Jazz Sunday service -- "When the Saints Go Marching In."

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Stephen Bither directed the jazz ensemble from the piano.

"When the Saints Go Marching In" had some members of the congregation dancing in the aisles.

While most others were in the sanctuary listening to the jazz service, Bryan Connelly and Steve Hill were busy preparing pancakes in the kitchen, along with Brenda Simpson and Chris DeSantis.