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Music as Servant of Word and Worship
is the focus of music ministry at First Congregational
Church, United Church of Christ. We believe that music in worship can
proclaim, paraphrase, or respond to scripture. Music also enables the
congregation to praise God, or can uplift the congregation’s prayer. We
believe that music best serves God’s Word and the congregation’s worship when music
and musicians do not call attention to themselves, but rather point worshipers
in God’s direction.
We act on these beliefs
through regular collaboration among Education, Youth, and
Music Staff members and Pastors. Together we explore relationships among
the Word, the elements of worship, and music, and try to discover ways in which
to make meaningful connections among the various worship components, and
between these components and the congregation. Our goal is to plan
worship that can be experienced by the congregation as an integrated, organic
whole, and not as merely a series of separate, sometimes unrelated “worship
events.”
Practically speaking,
the various choirs are scheduled alternately at the two
Sunday services, so that both services benefit equally from choral support, and
no one choir feels overscheduled. This schedule additionally provides the
best possible opportunity for all of our musicians to bring freshness, joy, and
Spirit equally to both Sunday celebrations.
Our Music Ministries:
Cherub Choir
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is for children 3 years of age through Grade 1.
Rehearses at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays in Room 203.
Led by Lisa Schippers.
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Choristers
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is for children in Grades 2 – 6.
Rehearses from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Music Room.
Led by Chloë Stodt.
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Singspiration
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is for Junior and Senior High age youth.
Rehearses from 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Music Room.
Led by Chloë Stodt.
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Chancel Choir
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is for post-high school young adults and adults.
Rehearses from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Music Room.
Led by Paul Renaud.
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Campanella
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Handbell Choir is for high-schoolers through adults with some musical
background.
Rehearses from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. on Wednesdays in Room 109.
Led by Gail Glockhoff-Long.
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Cantors/Songleaders
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facilitate and support congregational singing both vocally and
visually.
Requirements are an ability to sing on pitch, ease with public
singing,
and a spirit of servant leadership.
Training is provided by the Music Ministry Coordinator.
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Instrumentalists
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rehearse as arranged with the Music Ministry Coordinator,
and provide solo music as well as support for congregational
singing.
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