"At First
Congregational Church, we strive to offer inspiring and artistic music
to the glory of God in our worship services. Each choir member is
aware of the uplifting responsibility, privilege and excitement we enjoy
as leaders through music in our weekly worship."
--
Tracy
Shirk,
Director of Music
Summer Choir
to Sing!
Beginning June 1st and for all the Sundays in June, we
will be led musically in worship by the Summer Choir. The Summer Choir
is open to all adults, youth and children (going into 3rd grade or
older) who like to sing but have not been able to commit to a weekly
rehearsal. Rehearsals are at 9:00 AM on the Sunday mornings that we
sing. We will not wear robes. We will sing easy, fun anthems that can
be learned quickly. If ever you have sung in a choir or wanted to sing
in a choir, this is your opportunity to give back to God through the
gift of music that God gives to us. Come and make a joyful noise!"
Tracy
and his musicians strike a good balance among sacred works such as John
Rutter's Requiem recently performed and other types --
traditional hymns, spirituals, and works by a wide variety of composers.
The congregation benefits not only from listening but also from singing
hymns from a special-edition hymn book with updated words acceptable to
progressive Christians. (You can read the story of Hymns of Truth and
Light by clicking on the "hymnal" link.)
Comments from
members of the congregation suggest the importance of music to their
worship experience.
"The Music Ministry is the reason I
joined the Church!"
– Mary Harper
"I love the music program. They have a
nice variety of music, they're all talented musicians, and they add a
lot to the worship service."
– Joyce Haftings
Martin Luther once
said, "I have always loved music. Those who have mastered this art are
made of good stuff and are fit for any task."
Even though our
musicians agree that music can be a kind of fitness training, we
certainly do not require that you have "mastered the art" to become a
vital part of our Music Ministry. For the Meeting House Choir, you need
only to know the joy of singing and a sincere desire to be of service to
God and the Church.
Learn more about our Pipe Organ
The Meeting House
Choir
(Now on Summer hiatus)
All adults AND YOUTH going into grades 7-12 are invited to join. The
singing youth of today's church are the singing adults of tomorrow's
church. If you are entering the 7-12th grade and have an interest in
singing with the Meeting House Choir, please contact Tracy Shirk,
Director of Music. Of course, all adults are encouraged to sing as well.
For those with young children, childcare is provided upon request.
WHO: Anyone 7th grade
through adult.
WHEN: Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:30 PM
WHERE: The choir room in the office building
Decibells
Prior ringing experience is needed to participate in Decibells. If you
have rung bells before
and would like to do so again. please let Tracy Shirk, Director of
Music, know of your interest.
WHO: Adults with prior
handbell experience
WHEN: Wednesdays from 7:30 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The choir room in the office building
The Children's Choir
After a several-year hiatus, the Children's Choir is back! It is led by
Anne Amador. Anne has many years of experience with children's choirs.
The choir will work toward singing in worship services during the school
year. Please encourage your child to participate in this exciting and
fun ministry! If you have children in grades K – 6 who would like to be
a part of our Children's Choir, contact Anne at 713-975-0589.
WHO: Children entering grades K - 6
WHEN: Sundays after worship (approx. 11:00 - 11:30 AM)
WHERE: Children's Sunday School classroom
The Recorder Consort
Can you read music? It's a plus if you do, or if you have played a
musical instrument, but learning to play the recorder is not very
difficult and most people can quickly learn to produce a nice, pleasant
sound and begin playing musically. For information about joining
The Recorder Consort, contact
Don Holloway,
713-784-7653.
WHO: Anyone 7th
grade through adult
WHEN: Sundays
before worship service (usually 8:00 - 9:00 AM)
WHERE: Education
Building in the Senior High Room
Instrumentalists,
Dancers and Artists
You are cordially invited to let Tracy Shirk, Director of Music know of
your interests and abilities. Although there are not regularly
functioning groups, instruments, liturgical art and dance are used
regularly in our worship services and concerts.
Music Ministry
