RING PRAISE TOUR COMES TO AREA

ON TOUR: Phyllis Tincher, handbell soloist, and Sean Rogers, pianist and organist, will perform a variety of songs focusing on praising God. (Submitted photos).

The unique and beautiful blend of handbells and piano will resound at a special Ring Praise concert at 7 p.m. Friday at La Grande's First Presbyterian Church, 1308 Washington Ave.

The concert is one of several in the area as part of a tour featuring Phyllis Tincher, handbell soloist, and Sean Rogers, pianist and organist.

Tincher and Rogers will perform a variety of songs focusing on praising God that they promise will touch your hearts and ears.

Through contemporary praise songs, hymns and reflective pieces, they tell the saving story of Jesus Christ. Some of the songs featured will be "I Love You, Lord," "Shine, Jesus, Shine," "Crown Him with Many Crowns," "Just as I Am," "The Lord's Prayer" and "Were You There."

In addition to accompanying, Rogers will play a few piano solos including his own arrangement entitled "He Arose," celebrating Christ's resurrection. Tincher rings three octaves of handbells and mixes in two octaves of handchimes.

During the concert the audience will have an opportunity to ring handchimes as everyone sings. No music experience is needed.

Tincher and Rogers have made three CDs together, which will be available at the concert. "Ring Praise" and "Ring Praise 2" are collections of hymn arrangements. "Come to the Manger" celebrates Christmas. The cost of each CD is $15, and proceeds help fund Ring Praise Music Ministry.

Rogers has two CDs available. "I Will Be with Thee" is a collection of original compositions and hymn arrangements. "Moonlight Serenade" is an assortment of popular tunes played on the theater organ. Both cost $15, and proceeds help Rogers fund his ministries.

Tincher has been solo ringing since 1997 and directs two handbell choirs at First United Presbyterian Church in Nampa, Idaho. She has served as guest conductor at festivals and taught many classes at handbell conferences and workshops. She is very active in the Northwest area of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and served as chair for the area in 2000-2002.

Rogers works as a music coach and accompanist for opera singers and instrumentalists and teaches piano and theater organ. He performs as a soloist and accompanist with all styles of piano and organ, from jazz to classical.

This concert is part of a tour to several small Presbyterian churches in Eastern Oregon.

• Lostine — 7 tonight, Presbyterian Church, 134 Highway 82

• Ukiah — 9:30 a.m. worship service Sunday, Community Presbyterian Church, Main and Alba streets

• Stanfield — 4 p.m. Sunday, Hope Presbyterian Church, 210 E. Taft

• Baker City — 5:30 p.m. Monday, First Presbyterian Church, 1995 Fourth St.

There is no charge for the concerts, which are sponsored by the First United Presbyterian Church, Nampa and the Mission Unit Coordinating Committee of the Snake River Mission Area, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).