Family Service Sunday returns to Union Chapel

Banjoist, singer, educator and storyteller Bill Gordh returns to Union Chapel on Sunday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m. for the outdoor Family Service; this year’s theme is “With a Song to Sing.”

Everyone is welcome, especially children of all ages, their parents and grandparents. Children will participate in the readings and maybe even sing and dance —with a fork and spoon— to the Bolivian folktale, “Chi-Cha Corn Dance.” 

The service will include an original poem by Shelley Gotterer, Bill’s friend since childhood, proverbs, readings from the Bible and three songs Bill wrote especially for this service.

“Songs fill our lives,” Bill said, and songs provided his inspiration for this year’s service. Bill has performed at the Union Chapel Family Service every year since 2016 (excluding 2020).

Before he retired, Bill was the Director of Expressive Arts and Chapel at the Episcopal School in Manhattan, where he continues as consultant to chapel and the storytelling program, as well as at the Trinity School. 

He is the author of the books “Building a Children’s Chapel: One Story at a Time” and “Making Room for Everyone: More Stories for Building a Children’s Chapel,” including the programs and songs from 2016-2019 created for Union Chapel. 

He has appeared with the New York Philharmonic, Tribeca Film Festival Family Day, the Clearwater Festival and other festivals. 

All are welcome on Sunday as Bill Gordh transforms the shady grove into a wonderland of music and stories, including an English folktale, “Rachel in the Stars.” 

Bring a blanket or chair. Stars Café caters a reception after the service, which will move indoors in case of inclement weather.

Next week: Volunteer Sunday with Fr. Peter DeSanctis, honoring the Senior Citizens Foundation of Shelter Island; President Joanne Sherman will speak. Linda Bonaccorso will sing.