POPS 2008 Raises Money for Hospice Austin
To see more pictures from our show, simply follow this link: PICTURES OF "GOOD VIBRATIONS!"
A FEW COMMENTS FROM THOSE IN OUR AUDIENCE . . .
“I was truly amazed at the talent of the bell ringers and their director on Saturday. Thank you so much for the beautiful concert!”
“I got pretty teary-eyed towards the end of the POPS benefit. Hospice is an organization that helped my grandfather towards the end of his life. That made it personal to me.”
“Every year the decorations seem to get better. And so does the concert! You guys truly outdid yourselves this year!”
“I keep laughing about several of the pieces . . . the Tetris tribute, the Hungarian Dance craziness and the virtuosity & humor of ‘Sabre Dance.’ Wow!”
"My favorite selection was ‘Just As I Am.’ I truly felt the emotion of the piece as I watched the ringers & as I heard the music. It was gorgeous. Thank you!
On Saturday, May 10, the First Church Handbell Ministry presented its annual spring POPS benefit concert. This year’s show was entitled “Good Vibrations” and was rung in loving memory of Elaine Kent, First 
Church Member who died of cancer in January of 2008. A freewill offering was taken in Elaine’s honor which went to benefit Hospice Austin. This organization assisted the whole Kent family towards the end of Elaine’s life. About 300 people of all ages packed our church’s Family Life Center to together share the fellowship of dinner and the fun of a good show. Some brought Taco Bell or Kentucky Fried Chicken while others prepared gourmet selections. It was all delicious! Volunteer wait staff served beverages as fun music played through the sound system. Laughter abounded as pictures of ringers and family members from the 60’s flashed the screens. And as the first hour came to an end, anticipation grew as those in attendance finished eating and began to ready themselves for the show.
The music of POPS 2008 featured both five-octave teams of adult ringers, Jubilation and Council Oak Bells. Also featured was the Sound of Joy bell duet,
Nancy Alvarez & Kenton Reynolds with friends Alex Alvarez and Patricia Raglin. Audience members thrilled to the strains of “The Chicken Dance”, “In the Mood”, “Classical Gas” and “Sabre Dance.”
Special lighting effects and video brought home the message of hope through Jesus Christ . . . the One who gives us the good vibrations we need to serve Him.
The evening culminated with a collection for Hospice Austin. And when all was done, $3345.45 was collected from generous donors. This money will greatly help Hospice Austin in the name of our own Elaine Kent.
Kudos to all involved in this production! It takes a big group of volunteers and dedicated musicians to make this evening happen. Much time and energy is necessary but the result is worth it! We have helped those who need us while doing what we love so much - ringing handbells!
We thank our audience, our church family, the church staff and all who have supported our efforts. We couldn’t do it without you! You give us GOOD VIBRATIONS!
