Choir Sunday at Union Chapel

Choir Sunday is always a joyous event, with singers of every level of experience who come together to sing a song they’ve rehearsed the day before. They also sing the hymns and the benediction. Rev. Dr. Stephen Adkison — “Pastor Steve” — of the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church “will explore the healing power of music and the timeless truth that music is medicine.” In order to appreciate the voices that sing to the rafters, this will be an indoor service. Stars Café caters the outdoor reception.

About the ‘Miracle Choir’

Chapel Music Director Linda Betjeman created Choir Sunday and the Chapel Community Choir in 1995 as an experiment, when she invited friends from her New York City chorus, “Amici Cantante” to come out for the weekend. She put an ad in the paper and the “Miracle Choir” was born, a miracle, she said, because the singers rehearse for an hour and a half the day before and sing the next day.

About Pastor Steve Adkison

Pastor Steve grew up in Russellville, Arkansas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Theater from Arkansas Tech University, a Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (KY) and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary (CA).

Pastor Steve was a three-year Arkansas All-State percussionist. Today, he plays drums with the local rock band, The Peconic County Ramblers, and cajón with the Islander Jammers, a local folk group.

About the service

Everyone is welcome — whether you sing or not — to Choir Sunday on Aug. 2 at 10:30 a.m. Join this joyous chorus under the direction of Linda Betjeman. The choir will sing a traditional East African folk song, “Asante Sana, Yesu,” arranged by Mark Burrows. Rehearsal is on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Chapel.

Next week: Garden Club Memorial Sunday with Rev. Emily Brewer, Pastor of Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn. Music by vocalist Thomas Milton.