Briefs: Covenanter Awarded, NPU Concert, Conference Office Moves

MASON CITY, IA (October 4, 2011) – The Mason City Chamber of Commerce presented Jim FitzPatrick, a member of First Covenant Church, with its Distinguished Citizen Award during the organization’s annual meeting last Thursday.

FitzPatrick is the president and executive director of Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. He oversees the work of 2,800 employees.

The award is given on the basis of leadership, participation in community organizations, and active service to the community. FitzPatrick is a past president of the chamber as well as past campaign chairman for the local United Way. He has served in multiple capacities at First Covenant.

NPU to Host Concert for “Exceptional Families”

CHICAGO, IL (October 4, 2011) – North Park University will host the Second Annual “Exceptional Music for Exceptional Families” concert for families of children with autism and special needs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the university’s Anderson Chapel.

Preceding the concert, at 7 p.m., audience members will be able to see musical instruments up-close in an “instrument petting zoo” at the chapel.

The evening features students in the university’s concert band, directed by Joseph Lill, associate professor of music. The concert will highlight music from the movie, “The Incredibles,” and a medley from the Harry Potter movie series.

There will be moments during the performance when selected North Park students will discuss and demonstrate their instruments. Specially printed programs will be available for people with autism.

Admission is free, but seating is limited and tickets must be reserved in advance.

“This is a place where families of children with autism and special needs can attend a concert together,” Lill said. “There will be noise behind me, singing, and dancing, and that’s okay. This is an entirely welcoming experience.”

Lill remembers what he saw last year as he directed the concert band. “I was the only one who couldn’t see the audience because they were behind me,” he said. “But I knew how the performance was being received. I could see it in the faces of the students in the band.”

Great Lakes Conference Office Moves

CANTON, MI (October 4, 2011) – The Great Lakes Conference office moved Friday. The conference had been leasing space at Life Church in Canton, but the congregation has continued to grow and needs the space.

The offices are moving across the street from the church: The new address is Great Lakes Conference, 6900 N. Haggerty Rd, Suite 90, Canton, MI 48187.