Music Ministries of the
First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, Iowa
Take Note
As I am writing this article, I have a few days left in preparing for the Eastertide Concert. One of the pieces of the program is J.S. Bach's cantata No. 166, and the title of the first movement of the cantata is "Where are you going?", from John 16:5, Jesus' questions for his disciples: "but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'"
During the last Lent period, Grace and I had a chance to watch the movie "The Passion of Christ", directed by Mel Gibson. Toward the end of the movie, I told Grace that if Jesus was not the real Son of God, how can we explain how the disciples, who betrayed Jesus and scattered in the last moment from Him during the crucifixion, got back to their ministries until the end of their lives? Logically it doesn't make sense at all. There must have been undeniable evidence about Jesus and on-going support from someone, the Holy Spirit, for them.
Even after we accept Jesus as our savior and decide to commit our lives toward Jesus, we always stumble and turn our back to Him time after time because we are weak and uncertain about what Jesus taught us. Even with the worst times in our lives, however, Jesus keeps asking us, "Where are you going?" and "Do you know where I am for you?"
The secret of our happiness, the secret of our hope, the secret of the power we have with the name of Jesus seems to be like this: Jesus is with us always with the promise of God's words. Heaven is not only in the future but it has been in our past, the present and the future as long as we know where He is. As Jesus taught us, let's love people around us and serve them until we see Jesus eye-to-eye in the future. We can experience life in heaven right this moment by following His teaching. Jesus has never been far away from us after all
Taemin
Concert Thank You
Thank you so much for your support and attendance at the Eastertide Concert. It was an exciting event both the performers and audience fully enjoyed. Please keep praying for our on-going musical activities at First Presbyterian Church.
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 -- Choir rehearsals are held each Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. 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 -- Handbell choir rehearsals are held at 6:15 p.m. each Wednesday evening. 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.
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. 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.
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!"