More than Music – An Inspirational Afternoon of Worship, Food, and Connection
In an age of separation and division – even among Christians – hundreds of Christians from the Presbytery of Carlisle will soon come together around Jesus and our common identity as brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s a family reunion when we’ll meet relatives we never knew we had!
Many Voices is for Everyone. Really. We want all ages and all members from EVERY congregation and new worshipping community to come. In short, we want EVERY VOICE. Most gatherings of the Presbytery of Carlisle are primarily for Pastors and Elders. Many Voices includes regular folks in the pews who may have never met other local Presbyterians outside of their congregation. Children and youth may sing with the Many Voices intergenerational choir; youth will also have special places to gather with their friends (both old friends and new). Sign up here.
Q: What is Many Voices?
Great Music: Some of the finest music directors in our Presbytery will lead the Many Voices intergenerational choir. The Derry Brass are playing. An African-American choir from South Carolina is joining us. And a renowned local organist will lead us all in the Hallelujah! Chorus!
Great preaching: Our special guest is Rev. Cece Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly. She has been inspiring Presbyterians across the denomination with her enthusiasm and vision of unity amidst diversity.
Great connection: The focus of worship and the meal afterward is on what and who unites us. We’ll celebrate the Lord’s Supper and come together for a picnic meal afterwards, too.
Q: When is Many Voices – and where?
Sunday, August 30, 4 p.m., at Second Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, 528 Garland Dr., Carlisle, just off of I-81. Worship is at 4pm; picnic dinner will be around 5:30pm. Rain or shine. The building is air conditioned and there will be outdoor tents for shade. There’s plenty of off-street parking. The building is fully accessible to all.
Q: What will the meal include?
Cold refreshing picnic food: think sandwich, fruit, water, etc. There is no cost to you. If the weather cooperates, you can eat under the tent or on the lawn. If you have dietary issues, please bring your own special food so that you can be assured it is safe for you.
Q: How can I be part of Many Voices?
- Come–and bring a friend! No need to sign up or register, unless you want to help in some way (see below).
- We ALSO need volunteers from EVERY congregation to sing in the intergenerational Many Voices Unity Choir. Click here for more information! Sign up here.
Q: What about kids?
We are putting them front and center!
- They can sing with the intergenerational Many Voices Unity Choir – they will have their own music director and rehearsal on August 22.
- During the sermon kids (through 5th grade) will have the option to go to KidsPraise where they will have fun learning to accompany a hymn with rain sticks and other instruments.
- The church nursery will be open (but not staffed) to use as a changing area or quiet space for nursing.
- The “PrayGround” will be open in the Rotunda Worship Area – it’s a special fun activity space designed just for pre-schoolers. Parents can worship alongside their kids as the children stretch their legs.
- The opening procession will be led by children. Youth (Grade 6 and up) can assist with communion and other special aspects of worship. Text Pastor Jeff at 717-448-1294, if interested.
- The meal is kid-friendly: sandwich, fruit, chips, water and dessert.
- After worship kids can climb on the rocks outside or laugh with new friends under the tents. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s an air-conditioned play space in the youth area.
Q: What if I can’t attend in person?
You’ll miss a lot, there’s nothing like seeing each other face to face! But the service will be live-streamed through GrowWithSecond.org.
Schedule:
- 4 p.m. – Worship Celebration, including Rev. Cece Armstrong, the Lord’s Supper, and the Hallelujah! Chorus.
- 5:30 p.m. – Fun fellowship dinner for all
Q: Still have questions?
Contact these Many Voices planners for additional information:
- Rose Jewell-Jordan – 717-805-7118
- Gary Hollinger – 717-574-5374
- Jeff Gibelius – 717-448-1294