Music Ministries of the
First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, Iowa
First Presbyterian Church Choir
Dear Friends,
The Sanctuary Choir and Celebration Ringers ensemble begin their regular rehearsal schedules this month. We have a lot of fun planned for the year, and you are invited to join us in either group or both. We still have two vacancies in the handbell group that need to be filled immediately. Please consider being a part of our ministry.
Our theme for the year will follow thoughts presented in the hymn “This is a Day of New Beginnings” “This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that’s gone. In faith we gather round the table to taste and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new.” We look forward to a great year with more of a focus on learning about each other and supporting one another on our personal faith journeys. As such, in some rehearsals, times of devotion, reflection and prayer will be a new element that will be a welcome addition.
We also begin our 2010-2011 concert series this month with the Bill Shepherd Combo performing for us on Sunday, September 26th at 3:00 p.m. They will play Dixieland and World War II era tunes, featuring vocalist Kathleen Ayers. This concert is sure to make you tap your feet and want to dance! As with all our musical presentations here, the concert is free to the public. Though, should you feel generous and supportive of the arts here at First Church, we will gladly welcome your donations at the door. A wonderful season is planned for you and brochures to distribute to your friends and families are just days away from going to press.
Thomas
Thomas with the FPC Choir Section Leaders
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. In 2009, three new bells were given by an anonymous donor, with automatic bell-ringing equipment for the carillon tower. Click here for more information: Carillon Bells
"Listen for the ringing of our Carillon bells
throughout Waterloo!"