In days gone by, when people would visit in homes, a customary form of entertainment was to gather around a piano or pump organ and sing hymns. You didn’t have to always sing perfectly in tune, and you didn’t have to listen to a sermon – you just sang and had fun doing it!

In that same joyous spirit, on Saturday, September 25th from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m., St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre will open its doors to any and all who wish to come by for a good, old-fashioned “hymn sing” – with a twist. The “HYMN-A-THON” will fill five full hours with singing hymns, and will raise money to support St. Stephen’s VOICE FOR LIFE Chorister Training Program for children and youth.

Fear not, you don’t have to be here for all five hours! But you’re invited to come and sing (or even just sit and listen) for as long as you’re able. If you have favorite hymns, you can request them in return for a designated contribution (pay by the verse). And for an extra contribution, you can even request a special organ piece or an improvisation based upon your chosen hymn!

Mark Laubach will be the organist for the day. Visitors to St. Stephen’s often remark what a joy it is to sing hymns with our magnificent Berghaus organ and in our wonderfully resonant and reverberant nave. You can be sure there will be plenty of “spine-tingling” moments when we raise our voices with saints and angels and our grand pipe organ (or piano, if you wish!).

Come feed your soul, request your favorite hymns, and sing to your heart’s delight! Bring friends and family. Sponsor hymns in honor or in memory of loved ones or to commemorate special anniversaries or celebrations. Come at any time and stay till your heart and spirit (and ears) are full!

For sustenance and nourishment, refreshments will be available in the fellowship hall.

Hymn request forms will be available in advance and at the door. For more information, call St. Stephen’s office at (570)825-6653 or send e-mail to mlaubach@ststephenswb.org.