Music Ministries of the
First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, Iowa
Dear Friends,
This month’s concert offering on Palm Sunday, March 28th at 3:00 p.m. is the presentation of the oratorio “The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Théodore Dubois. A large chorus made up of our Sanctuary Choir and community churches will sing, accompanied by a full chamber orchestra composed of members from as far away as Ames and Iowa City. We welcome the talented voices of Dr. John Hines—who is voice faculty at UNI, Ms. Celeste Bembry, and Dr. David Kabel as our soloists for this event.
Looking forward to Holy Week, which is the first week of April, we have some special moments in mind. For Maundy Thursday, we offer you an opportunity to participate in an experience you won’t soon forget—the symbolic Passover meal, or seder. It will be prepared for you by Jenette Weinberg (wife of Maestro Jason Weinberger of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony) at 6:00 p.m. that evening in Calvin Hall. It will be kind of like the Last Supper, only with a modern twist—we won’t be reclining on benches to eat, we won’t have slaves serving us, nor will there be gender division, and you must wash your own feet! As the meal concludes, there will be a communion service. Jesus himself said to his disciples in Luke 22:15, “With fervent desire I have wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” I can imagine that He would want us to do the same in observance of his resurrection.
On Good Friday, we will have a Service of Lamentation reflecting primarily on the Prophecies of the Old Testament regarding Christ and their fulfillment in His life and death. This service will draw deeply from the rich scriptures of the Psalms of David and the poetry of Ann Weems.
We sincerely hope that your Lenten journey has taken you through some mement of personal spritual discernment and that you have been attentive to God's leading in your life.
Click here to read about future musical events: EVENTS
Thomas
"Pennies for Pipes Campaign"
The "Pennies for Pipes" is an on-going campaign to help sustain our historic E. M. Skinner organ. Pocket change is dropped in the organ pipe located in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, or donations can be mailed to the Church. Our thanks to all of you for supporting this campaign.
Music Ministry Opportunities at FPC
Music brings people together to glorify God.
There are musical opportunities for all ages at First Church. The emphasis of the music programs is always as worship leaders, not as performers. We encourage all levels of talent to share their gifts of music.
Sanctuary Choir -- The choir rehearses every Wednesday evening from 7:30-9:00 p.m. (Sept.-May) and sings every Sunday in worship. Senior highs and adults are cordially invited. We sing music from classical to contemporary and everything in between. During Advent, the choir presents an extended work with orchestra. Past works have included: Vivaldi's "Gloria", Rutter's "Gloria", Bach's Magnificat", Handel's "Messiah" and other works.
Celebration Ringers -- The handbell choir meets every Wednesday from 6:15-7:15 p.m. and rings in worship on a regular basis. The church has five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and four octaves of hand chimes. This group has participated in regional bell festivals, the UNI Chimes of Christmas, weddings and other community events.
Wednesdays at First Children's Choir -- Students from pre-school through 5th grade comprise this group who present programs throughout the year. They meet Wednesday evenings during the "Wednesdays at First" program. God has truly blessed our church with incredible musicians—past and present—and the music sung, rung, and played here has and continues to glorify our Creator and inspire our hearts. We are still looking for new members in all of our ensembles (including the newly formed praise group for the Celebration Gathering). We ask that you consider how you could participate with us. Please contact the FPC Music Department with your ideas by telephone: 319-233-6145 or e-mail: thomas@1stpresby.org
The Carillon Bells -- reached their 85th birthday during the week of May 25, 2008. In 1923, ten bronze bells, cast in Baltimore, MD and totaling over six tons, were donated by sisters Ruth and Josephine Maine (who had become members during the last Sunday service at the Boulder Church) for the tower of the present church building. A three-day long celebration began with a patriotic ceremony and dedication concert played on Decoration Day 1923 by Mr. M.H. Metee from Baltimore, MD. Described in the Session minutes as one of the biggest events in the history of this church and community, an estimated attendance of over 5,000 people—comprised of the mayor of Waterloo, national dignitaries, and veterans from the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and World War I—witnessed the event. The Session minutes state that Lincoln Park was filled to standing room and "automobiles filled the streets for several blocks in every direction." Mr. J.W. Rath, the chairperson of the congregation, gave the address and formal words of acceptance. In 1968, an F# bell, cast in the Netherlands, was given by the Enwright family in memory of Maxine Sansone, who had been the First Church secretary for 25 years. Click here for more information: Carillon Bells
"Listen for the ringing of our Carillon bells
throughout Waterloo!"
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