USO-type performance by Joyful Noise Band to raise money for Centenary United Methodist Church

LOUISIANA, Mo. — “Letters Home, a USO-Type Radio Show,” an evening of dinner, music and dancing at the American Legion Post 370, is set for March 26. This fund-raising event is provided by the Joyful Noise Band, the Centenary United Methodist Church bell choir and several local vocalists.

The Joyful Noise band was formed about four years ago when a handful of musicians at Centenary thought it would be fun to play Christmas carols before the church’s Christmas Eve service. Donna Henry, a retired Pike County, Mo., music teacher, was one of the founders of that group. 

“My husband Bob and I have attended Centenary for many, many years,” Henry said. “It is a relatively small congregation but one that has some very talented musicians. I just knew that we should be following what the Bible verse Psalm 100 says: ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.’”

From that impromptu Christmas Eve performance, Joyful Noise has expanded its repertoire and grown into more of a community band.

“We’re currently preparing for our third fundraiser,” Henry said. “All of us are excited about this year’s event which will pay tribute to the men and women who have served and currently serve in our country’s military.

“We’re working to create an evening that is reflective of the USO Shows top entertainers provided. We’ve selected tunes that the big bands did, and we’re including songs that will take people back to the World War II era. Combined with a delicious meal and a dance floor, it will be a fun step back in time.”

Centenary Pastor Beomseon Hong says the event is done to raise funds for the operation of the church. Hong also shared that a portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the USO organization.

Reservations for the dinner and show are available by contacting the Centenary UMC office at 573-754-4412 or 573-230-8793. Resevations also may also be made by emailing cumclamo@gmail.com or on the CUMC website. Ticket prices are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and veterans/active duty and $10 for children. Doors will open at 5:30, dinner will begin at 5:45, and the show will start at 7 p.m.

For additional information, contact Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare at 217-242-0997 or brooksid@adams.net.