From Dr. Jeff Wright, Director of Music
In 1990, Penny Marshall directed the movie Awakenings starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. You may remember this movie. It tells the story of hospital patients who were brought “back to life” after being in a catatonic state for decades. The movie captures the magic of what it means to be stirred from a deep slumber to discover once again the joys, wonders, and pains of human life. As De Niro’s character reminds us, “[People have] forgotten what it is to be alive!”
Like the treatment used in the movie, music has the ability to stir and resurrect our inner life, that part of us that sometimes “goes to sleep” or gets pushed aside, only to be forgotten and neglected. There is much in daily life that accounts for the catatonic state of our feelings. Perhaps it’s our hectic schedule, the stress of responsibilities at work, or the pressures of family life. Whatever the cause, the result is always the same—a numbing of the human spirit.
When we gather for worship, it is my hope that the music and beauty in our services gently nudge your life of feeling. Not only does this make us more alive and more human, but it also awakens us to the presence of God within us. When our spirit stirs and mingles with the Spirit of God, we experience healing, and we are brought back to a sense of wholeness and rightness in life. Then we leave worship prepared to serve others, bring a bit of God’s kingdom here on earth, and change the world in which we live.
Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir is a volunteer choir that meets from September through May. This choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm in the Choir Room. We sing in the 8:30 and 9:30 am services on Sundays. If you can't be at both services, you are welcome to sing at one.
We sing a variety of musical styles including hymn arrangements, spirituals, gospel, and classical. This ensemble is a wonderful community of people who love to sing and who love to create moments of transcendent beauty in our worship services. No audition is required, and you may join at any time during the year.
Christmas Choir
Busy schedule? Short on time? Consider singing with the choir for the annual Christmas Festival of Music & Art and at Christmas Eve Worship on December 24 at 11pm. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays evenings in December, 7:30-9pm in the Choir Room.
Chancel Ringers Handbell Ensemble
Chancel Ringers meet from September through May. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:15 pm in the Choir Room. The ensemble plays once each month in the 9:30 am worship service. Members of this ensemble must be able to read music notation and must be open to having fun with creating beautiful music together.
We play a variety of musical styles that use many different handbell techniques. This is a group that works hard, laughs a lot, and makes wonderful contributions to our worship services.
Contact: Jeff Wright or call the church office 317-773-2500.
