Meet the Grace First Presbyterian Church and Stan DeWitt

The Mission Statement of Grace First Presbyterian Church reads that Grace First "is a practicing faith community, intentionally multicultural and intergenerational, impacting contemporary life with the love and justice of Jesus Christ." It is a medium sized congregation (564 members) in Long Beach, California (pop. 492,000), the largest suburb of Los Angeles. But it is a congregation whose heart and vision exceeds its size. Formed in 2002 as a merger of two very ethnically different congregations, it has become a model of how the mission of the church transcends boundaries. In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the southern states of Mississippi and Louisiana, and left New Orleans under water, the congregation of Grace First responded with an unprecedented show of support, raising over $1,000,000 for relief efforts. Part of the relief efforts included sending teams of people to aid in the recovery, building a relief center to house workers and aid givers (that is still housing workers almost daily), and help a struggling African-American church in New Orleans regain their footing and begin anew as a beacon of hope in their neighborhood.

The church has long had a tradition of excellence in its music program, with many professional musicians and music educators in its membership. Currently, the music program at Grace First is home to the Sanctuary Choir, a Praise Band, several handbell groups (adults, youth, and quartets), children's choir and children's chimes, a youth choir and a youth band. The church sponsors several summer music camps for children and youth, including a Music, Arts and Drama camp for young children and a "School of Rock" for High Schoolers. Grace is also home to film series, art shows, and a Concert Series that attracts some of the finest artists from around the world.

Stan DeWitt is an acclaimed conductor, songwriter, singer, guitarist and composer. In addition to being the Minister of Music for Grace First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach, he also teaches at Coastline Community College, where he has been on the faculty for 21 years. He was the Artistic Director for Zephyr: Voices Unbound, and has sung with numerous professional ensembles, most recently the DeAngelis Vocal Ensemble. His compositions cross into all realms of music, including film scores and published works for choir and handbells. As a songwriter, he has recorded and released four solo CDs, including his most recent, Musical Moonshine, released in November of 2009. He received his Bachelor's of Arts and Masters of Music degrees, where he studied with (among others) Frank Pooler.

Travel Tips: What to pack?

Dear Travelers, please find below a link to very detailed information on the baggage allowance for your upcoming flight with Delta. There is no charge for ONE checked bags on international flights as long as your suitcase is within the weight limit of 50 pounds. Remember, you are only allowed ONE checked suitcase per person coming on your Incantato Tour plus ONE small/normal size carry-on as luggage capacity on the bus is limited. Please go to the Delta website for detailed information on what is considered a carry-on and a checked bag, but please keep in mind that we can only fit ONE checked bag per person on the coach.

For most people, packing is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it: "You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."

Keep in mind, however, that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents). Incantato also plans a farewell dinner for the tour groups, so bring something comfortable and dressy.
Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel. Yes Ladies, you may have a small purse in addition, gents a camera case is fine too, but again, you will be the one carrying it all from the bus to the hotel and vice versa, so better test if you can move all your travel belongings without needing to make two trips or help from someone else.

A sample packing list (just a suggestion!)

* Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
* Umbrella
* An adapter plug/converter (if bringing electronic devices)
* Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
* At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses too
* a sweater or two
* Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
* Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
* A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables)
* Choir music and attire
* Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
* Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules.http://www.tsa.gov/311/
* All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounzes. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.

If you forget anything there are plenty of shops where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Travel Tips: Money Matters

Dear Travelers, Money is a delicate subject. The exchange rate at the moment is better than it was a few months ago. Currently it's around 1 Euro = $ 1,37. The best way to use your money is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a fee for restroom use (between 30 to 70 Euro cent). Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
We suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 15 to 20 Euro per day for the meals not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices.

Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager is with you pretty much 24/7. The guide is there to help you make the right choices.

Travel Q&A's

Questions & Answers for Grace First Ireland Performance Tour:

What should everyone carry at all times, real passport or a photo copy?

Ideally, your passport should be on your person at all times. Please be “street-smart” and don’t wave it around for all to see. Photocopies of the passport should be packed in your suitcase, available in your e-mail and also Incantato should have a copy as well.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

It is save to drink the water in Ireland. But in some cities it's not tasty because of the chlorine or hard water.

Do you have recommendations or suggestions on the type of power adapter needed and what wattage?

Electricity in Ireland is supplied at standard European voltage, 230V 50Hz, but the plugs used are not the same as continental Europe. Ireland uses IS401 (BS1363) plugs which are identical to those used in the United Kingdom. Visitors from the US using 110 volt supplies need to purchase voltage adaptors, or ensure that their equipment can be used on 230V 50Hz. Adapters and converters may be found at Target, Walmart and radio shack etc.

What is the weight limit for check-in baggage?

1 suitcase weighing under 50lbs.

Check the Delta website.

What the size limit and number of items is for carry on?

You may have 1 carry-on bag – it must be able to fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. We recommend a backpack.

What are the airline carryon container regulations?

No containers holding more that 3ozs of liquid or (100g for toothpaste) is allowed in the carryon luggage. They also must be in a plastic zip-lock bag.

What has the best exchange rate, using a debit card to pull money out or exchanging US currency?

By far the best way is to use your debit card. Most banks only charge around $2 per withdraw and they also take care of the exchange rate for you. You do need a 4 digit pin and also let your bank know that you are travelling abroad. DO NOT BRING TRAVELLERS' CHEQUES!

What is the approximate exchange rate right now?

It’s about $1.37 to 1 EUR.

What happens if someone gets injured while in tour? Medical care and cost wise? Do they need a medical consent form for treatment?

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. You find a link to our recommended partner on this blog.

If needed, is there laundry service?

It’s really expensive to do laundry overseas as it is dry-cleaning only. There are no irons in the hotel room.

Flight Information - Update

Dear Grace First Travelers,

Here is your updated flight information for your journey to Ireland. Please review the information and enjoy your tour!

Depart to Ireland
Monday, April 5 depart LAX (Los Angeles International) on Delta flight DL 101 at 10:25 AM. You will arrive in ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson International) at 5:38 PM. You will board Delta flight DL 176 at 7:35 PM overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland (DUB) arriving at 8:30 AM. Remember, you have gained one day with the time difference.

Return to the US
Thursday, April 15 depart DUB (Dublin Airport) leaving on Delta flight DL 165 at 12:30 PM. You will arrive back into the US via JFK (John F. Kennedy International, NY) at 2:50 PM. You will leave from JFK on Delta flight DL 711 at 5:00 PM arriving at LAX (Los Angeles International) at 8:36 PM.

Incantato Concert Venue: Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Dublin, Ireland

A very special venue and wonderful congregation await the Grace First Presbyterian Church Tour Choir in Cork. The singers under the direction of Stan DeWitt are invited to celebrate Sunday worship at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Cork on Sunday April 11th.

Incantato Insider Ireland: "The Church" Restaurant in Dublin

A must-stop when visiting Dublin, the capital city of Ireland is the former place of workship, now stunning restaurant fittingly named "The Church".