On the first Sunday of November, the combined congregations of the First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn (Iowa) and the First United Presbyterian Church of Malcom host a musical group in the Brooklyn church. The purpose according to Pastor Bernard Nti is, “to praise God for all God’s goodness and kindness to the church and community.”
On November 3rd, The Mayflower Community Bell Choir was the selected group. Members of bells who were able to attend the worship service were Ed and Karen Phillips, Dottie Blazek, Carmen Raffety, Jo Entwisle, and Mary Smith. Karen drove the group and their bells to Brooklyn on Mayflower’s “Lester the Bus” shuttle van. In addition, Karen directed the choir.
In attendance at the worship service by invitation was Pastor Amgad Beblawi, the Interim Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Des Moines. Originally from Egypt, pastor Beblawi has lived in the country for many years.
The Bell Choir played three songs: “Now Thank We All Our God,” “We Gather Together,” and “Near the Cross.” Following the service, families of the two congregations prepared a scrumptious brunch.
Pastor Nti will be the worship leader for the November 12th weekly Mayflower Community Chapel service. When pastor Nti led worship on a Tuesday last December, he heard the Mayflower Bell Choir play and was so impressed that he decided to invite them to his churches’ November service.
A portion of the collection given at the November 3rd service was dedicated to the Mayflower Human Needs Endowment Fund as an expression of gratitude for the Bell Choir’s participation in the service. The Fund provides support for Mayflower residents whose funds have been depleted.
The Bell Choir will play next at the Mayflower Chapel service on November 19th.
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director
