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“Genesis,” one of Janell Wimberly’s calligraphic masterpieces.
She said this is one of her favorites and it was exhibited a few years ago.

 

CHOIR CHAT:

JANELL WIMBERLY

 

Janell Wimberly, a super Soprano, and section leader, was born on July 29 in Salem Oregon with one brother. She has been married for 35 years and she advises married couples to “always remember: he’s your best friend first and foremost, don’t make money an issue and trust in God.”

In remembering her favorite trips, she enjoyed her journey to England, Ireland and Scotland in 1989. She went to England with a friend to take a calligraphy seminar workshop for seven days and traveled around to other places, enjoying the people and sites.

Some people have the gift of using the concept of art and color to create a message even more powerful than words can express. Janell described calligraphy as it started as a hobby, but kept getting bigger and bigger (literally). She has created pieces for large corporations as well as individuals, nonprofits and herself for exhibits and contests.

“I enjoy calligraphy because of all the new techniques, tools and ideas my contemporaries come up with and scribes are the most ‘sharing’ of artists,” Janell said. “When I see things in nature that have a calligraphic base, I like to see if I can imitate something of the natural quality of calligraphy. Knowing that calligraphy is a specialty, no one executes the same hand identically, which makes scribing so unique compared to fonts on a computer.”

Designing and executing “antique” maps for one of her clients producing biblically based videos has been one of Janell’s most challenging and rewarding projects.

With the Lent season upon us, Janell said she has tried giving something up for 40 days, but it usually fails or she feels it is a “duty” instead of a blessing.

“It seems better to make a pledge or vow to try to do something for someone else or change the way I look at situations that includes patience, kindness, peace and other attributes that Jesus Christ possesses,” Janell said.

Janell started going to Custer Road after a friend told her about Tim Morrison and made a point of introducing them one Sunday.

“I love my choir family. We all care about each other and look to support and pray for all in need and strive as a group to help others as well,” Janell said. “From sharing ourselves and lives in Rome to the Sing and Serve tours to all of our Easter, Christmas and Good Friday services and singing in small groups, it’s better than being a member of a heavy metal band!”

Rock on, Chancel Choir!

Submitted by Kara Shrum
March 8, 2017

Blessing of the Animals in 2015 with Connie Ager, Rev. Sharon O’Connor, and Jimmy Ager

CHOIR CHAT:

CONNIE AGER

 
 

Connie Ager, an awesome Alto, born in Dennison, Ohio, wanted to be a band director when she grew up.  Connie graduated from Kent State University with a BA in Business Administration after attending night school for eight years.  Before retiring, she worked for Dell in Human Resources. Connie currently volunteers in helping Virginia Compton at Custer Road UMC with the Shelby church attendance system and running data reports.

Living the retired life, Connie loves spending time with her cute miniature dachshund, Jimmy. “He senses my moods and if I’m not feeling well, will lay down with me and snuggle to help me feel better,” she said. “Dogs give unconditional love and ask very little in return. He needs his kibbles, a few tasty treats, walks twice a day and a lap. Life is simple but good!”

Her favorite place for traveling is Ireland. With Irish descent, Connie feels like she is at home there. She is planning her next trip in mid-May back to Kinsale, a small village in County Cork southeast of Cork. She will attend the Methodist church in the area (where John Wesley visited a couple of times) and rekindle friendships she made in 2014.

Connie carries a great phrase she heard on a recent cruise, “Don’t be a tourist; be a visitor”, and applies it to every journey she takes.

“A visitor wants to meet people, eat the food and experience the country and culture. A tourist goes back onboard the ship for lunch!” Food for thought: What if we all approached walking through the choir room doors in the same way – being open to talking to people (regardless of the section) and experience “the love in the room?”

Connie joined Custer Road UMC in 2009, when she thought the Chancel Choir was so good that it must require auditions. With the season of Lent upon us, Connie says she tries to be more kind and thoughtful during Lent, showing love for others. Her favorite scripture is the Beatitudes because “the verses have special meaning when you are going through a difficult time.” Looking through the hymnal, Connie’s favorite hymn is “Let Us Break Bread Together” because she loves Communion and the beautiful music, especially the echoing Alto line.

Submitted by Kara Shrum
March 2, 2017