The community is cordially invited to attend a Thanksgiving Hymn Festival sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the American Guild of Organists to be held on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 4:00 pm at the Valparaiso University Chapel of the Resurrection. A free-will offering will be collected for the Northwest Indiana Food Bank. Dr. John Bernthal, who recently completed 28 years as Associate University Organist at Valparaiso University, will be the organist for the event. He will be accompanied by the Festival Brass, directed by Roger Luekens.
Members of the Festival Brass include Bob Symer, Roger Luekens, and Al Reichle, trumpet; Julie Plant, Horn; Jonathan Plant, Euphonium; Wayne Coil, Trombone; and Lauren Erickson, Tuba. Soloists include Megan Marolf, oboe, who recently toured throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia with the Philip Glass Ensemble, and Virginia Oram, mezzo soprano, longtime voice faculty member at Valparaiso University. Brief reflections on the hymns will be offered by Rev. Timothy Knauff, Jr., pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. Arleen Peterson, executive director of the Northwest Indiana Food Bank, will present a reflection on the mission of their organization. All of the musicians and minister are donating their time and talents for this fund-raising event. The program offers the opportunity for the community to gather together in thanksgiving, singing beloved hymns of praise, and to contribute toward reducing hunger in Northwest Indiana.
