Food, Fun, Music . . . A Rainbow of Generosity!
“I want to express my deepest gratitude and thanks for a most enjoyable and inspiring evening.”
“The ringers were so engaging. All who performed seemed to reflect such joy! It brought a smile to my face.”
“The storm video was absolutely awesome. I was so touched by that! And the whole show came together in such a powerful way!”
“I want to thank each person who wriggled, giggled, danced and rang for the joyful and uplifting performance.”
“Each year it seems to get better and better! I can’t wait to see what you come up with next year!”
On Saturday, May 5, the First Church Handbell Ministry presented its annual spring POPS benefit concert. This year's show was entitled "Rhythm and Rainbows" and was held to benefit the Polycystic Kidney 
Disease (PKD) Foundation. More than 300 packed our church's Family Life Center to share in the fellowship of dinner and to enjoy the excitement of a good show. Some brought Taco Bell or Kentuckey Fried Chicken, while others prepared gourmet dishes. It was all delicious! Volunteer wait staff served beverages to diners as fun music played through the sound system. Laughter was plentiful. And as the dinner hour came to an end, anticipation grew as the show was about to begin!
The music of POPS 2007 featured both 5-octave adult handbell teams of adult ringers, Jubilation and Council Oak Bells. Also featured was the Sound of Joy Bell Duet - Nancy Alvarez and Kenton Reynolds with friends Charles Mallory (keyboard) and Wesley Lunsford (trap set). Audience members thrilled to the strains of "Yellow Bird," "The Rainbow Connection," "De Colores," and "Over the Rainbow" as well as sacred favorites "Jesus Loves Me" and "A Mighty Fortress." Special video presentations, lighting effects, additional music and narration brought it all together to create a fun atmosphere and a very special message of hope through faith in Jesus Christ.
The evening culminated with a collection for the PKD Foundation. First Church member Dan Wier and his wife Sheila spoke to the audience about Dan's experiences
as one who suffers from PKD. Many other victims of this terrible disease were present in the audience. And when all was said and done, $3453.60 was collected from generous donors. This money will great help the foundation in its fight against PKD.
Kudos to all involved in this production! It takes a big group of volunteers to make something like this a success. Much time and energy is necessary . . . but the result is worth it all! We have helped those who need us while doing what we love so much! Special thanks to our audience, our church family, the church staff and all who have supported our efforts in this labor of love. We couldn't do it without you!
A word of thanks from our beneficiary. . .
On behalf of the Austin Chapter - PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Support Group we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the Rhythm & Rainbows Concert, May 5th. We are especially grateful to Carla David, Council Oak Bells, Patricia Raglin, Jubilation, Sound of Joy, all the committees, and the many other individuals who so willingly donated their time and talents to make the evening such a wonderful event. As a result of your efforts, and because of the generous outpouring of those in attendance, many needed funds for research will go directly toward our goal of finding a cure for this genetic disease. May God richly bless all those who contributed to this worthwhile cause.
With love, grace, and peace,
Dan & Sheila Wier
Come again next year! We'll see you there!