Caroling on December 11

2016-december-umm-preferred-karen-zumbrunnChristians sing more than any other religion, especially at Christmas time when carols tell the joy of Christ’s birth. And on Sunday, December 11, our carols will ring out throughout the day.

In the morning Dr. Karen Fanta Zumbrunn will give the background of some carols from England, France, and America — and we will sing them at the breakfast served by the United Methodist Men. Learn about the band of English singers called “waits” and the surprising background of O, Holy Night. We’ll conclude with a spirited Afro American favorite, “Go Tell it on the Mountain.”

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the hot and tasty breakfast at 8 a.m., and Karen’s program is at 8;30 a.m. A $5 donation is requested.

In the evening, following the children’s musical and dinner, she will lead our traditional carol sing. It will include the always uproarious “The 12 Days of Christmas” as well as Silent Night and other favorites.

“When we sing carols we are remembering about a life of faith that began in a crib,” says Karen. “These little gems of music paint word pictures that tell of the birth of Jesus.” Let us join in song during this festive season!

Sing Once, Pray Twice says Dr. Z

2013-dec-zumbrunn-photo“St. Augustine says that to sing once is to pray twice,” says Dr. Karen Fanta Zumbrunn. On Tuesday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall she will share stories about familiar hymns — including special days and childhood favorites — and we will sing our way through the church liturgical year. All women are welcome; bring your own lunch and dessert and beverages will be provided.
Known for her swinging foot-tapping jazz piano style, “Dr. Z” has degrees from Ohio State and Harvard and a Ph.D. from the University of California at Bezumbrunn-cdrkeley. Combining college teaching with performance, she played at the Blue Note in Paris with well-known European and American musicians. A sought-after performer in the area, she has recorded two CDs — Twilight World and  Snowfall with her trio.
As a Christian and a longtime member and Sunday School teacher at PUMC, Karen regularly tutors reading at TASK in Trenton. She shares her enthusiastic music at PUMC’s Advent family celebrations, and for two years directed the musical program at Kingston UMC. She and husband John have two grown children, Sterling & V, and three grandchildren.

Says Karen: “If technology disconnects us from basic human interaction – ALL generations can sing. We unite with those around us and share in faith with those who have gone before us.”

Circle of Friends meets November 10

Hymns and Christian songs enrich our lives and faith — here’s a chance to learn more about them, when Dr. Karen Fanta Zumbrunn shares stories and tunes at the Circle of Friends2015 11 circle of friends meeting on Tuesday, November 10, at 10:30 a.m. at PUMC’s Fellowship Hall.

All PUMC women are invited to attend — and bring your friends! Please note that the meeting is NOT at the usual venue.  Bring your own lunch. Dessert will be provided.

Known for her swinging foot-tapping style, Karen’s nickname is “Dr. Jazz.”  With degrees from Ohio State, Harvard, and a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley, Karen has always been a working jazz musician. She performed at the Blue Note in Paris with well-known European and American musicians and has recorded two CDs.

As a Christian and a  longtime member of PUMC, she has been a Sunday School teacher and is a regular volunteer reading tutor in Trenton at TASK. She shares her enthusiastic music with our church, at Vacation Bible School and for Advent family celebrations, and she for two years she was director of music at Kingston UMC.

So — join us in song!  Requests will be taken. There will be no wrong notes in this program!