The musicians at Bethel United Church of Christ, under the direction of Mary Sue Moore, strive to set a reflective tone for worship, underscore the meaning of the scripture, sermon, and prayer during the worship service, and use their musical gifts to offer public praise to God.
There are many opportunities for participation in the music ministry at Bethel Church including adult choir, youth choir, contemporary praise choir, and handbell choirs (under the direction of Julie Roberts), children’s choir (under the direction of Jen Bucholtz), our chamber orchestra (under the direction of Jen Bucholtz),or as an instrumental or vocal soloist. People who take part in this music ministry willingly volunteer their time and talent and enjoy sharing their musical gifts with the congregation.
Our choirs meet to rehearse on a regular basis from September through May or early June. Occasionally during this nine month period, small ensembles, sometimes intergenerational in make-up, will present music for worship. It is during the summer time that soloists and small ensembles are the mainstay of our music ministry. Often these musicians are those who can’t commit to the regularity of weekly rehearsals, but wish to take part on an occasional basis.
Although most of our musical talent is nurtured from within the ranks of Bethel church, individuals or groups from the greater community are also invited to share their musical gifts with our congregation.
The Men’s Chorus that sings on Mother’s Day and the Daughter’s Chorus that sings on Father’s Day reflect the “ad hoc” nature of Bethel’s music ministry.
Twice a year, our wonderful Sunday School singers lend their voices (and enthusiasm) to the “Children’s Christmas Program” and “Children’s Day”, presented at the end of the school year.
Once a year, the Senior, Youth and Handbell Choirs, orchestra, and readers and combine their efforts to present a Festival of Lessons and Carols. The loving purpose of God is conveyed through scriptural readings spanning from the Creation story to the Christmas story with the carols responding to the sacred word.
All of these special events are opportunities for worshipers and musicians alike to experience and praise God through the transformational medium of music.