The Messenger - September 2017 - 3

THE MESSENGER

SEPTEMBER 2017

Listening Sessions

photographs of one of his victims. He did not
contest additional charges of indecent assault and
involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. He was
sentenced to 8-20 years in prison, and a
psychologist who evaluated him deemed him a
sexually violent predator.

By Andrea Brown
Lead Pastor
As we prepare for the possibility of Dennis
Spangler's parole in 2018, we'll hold three
congregational listening sessions this fall. Each will
build on the last, so attending all three is ideal,
though not required. They will be held on
Wednesdays, September 20, October 18, and
November 15, from 7-9pm.

He had been a United Methodist pastor, and upon
his arrest and immediate confession, the bishop
required him to turn in his ordination credentials.
Between the time of his arrest and conviction,
Dennis was permitted to attend Grandview only
after signing a covenant that placed strict
supervisory requirements and conditions on him.
Our Safe Sanctuary policy requires such an
agreement as a condition of participation in church
life for anyone who has been accused or convicted
of sexually assaulting a minor. (Copies of this
policy are available at the Hub.)

The Rev. Bev Andrews, one of the facilitators who
led listening sessions here when Dennis was arrested
in 2009, will lead. Bev recently retired as pastor of
Chiques United Methodist Church in Mount Joy.
She was on the Eastern PA Conference I-Care
Team, which responds to cases of alleged sexual
misconduct in the church. Prior to becoming a
pastor late in her work life, she worked as a
counselor to victims of sexual assault.

While in prison, Dennis has continued to
participate in the Searchers Sunday school class by
reflecting on readings in letters to the class. The
congregation has regularly prayed for his victims
and their families, as well as for Dennis and his
family and for other people affected by crime and
the criminal justice system.

Dennis's release and the possibility of his
worshiping again at Grandview is a matter on
which there are a wide range of thoughts and
feelings in the congregation, and it will be
important, though no doubt difficult, for us to listen
to one another. Would you hold this in your prayer?

Dennis was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma,
a type of brain cancer. It is unlikely that his illness
will affect his parole process in any way.

In 2010, when Dennis was 64, he pleaded guilty to
charges of corruption of minors, indecent assault,
indecent exposure and possessing two semi-nude

Music Ministry Update
The Senior Choir returns to the choir loft on Sunday, September 10, ready to offer stirring and uplifting
choral music in praise to God. The choir will be wearing new choir robes that were recently purchased
through the generosity of Grandview members. If you feel led to sing with the choir, please contact
Cindy McGary for information. The Grandview Bell Choir begins rehearsals on Thursday night,
September 7, 6-7:10 pm. The choir needs ringers who are willing to substitute when full-time members
are absent. If you have experience playing in a bell choir, we want to hear from you! The Grandview
Sings! Community Children's Choir begins its 5th year on Monday, September 18, with rehearsal from
6:30-7:30pm. We are pleased to welcome new piano accompanist Cindy Kahler. Cindy and her husband
Tom are members of Grandview; Cindy is currently serving as Director of Music Ministry at Church of
the Apostles. Tim Riggs has his drum at the ready and will lead the first drum circle of the new season
on Sunday, September 17, at noon in the Sanctuary. Novice drummers are welcome and we have some
extra drums just waiting to be played.
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Messenger - September 2017