Senior Choir
Music is such a beautiful gift from God and we use
music to give our Lord glory and praise. The Senior Choir ministers
to the congregation at regular worship services from September through
May.
The choir is open to any members of St. Matthew who
are high school age or older. Basic music skills are helpful, but
not required. Rather, emphasis is placed upon a desire to sing and
a commitment to participate both at rehearsals and in worship.
Most importantly, all of the music that the Senior
Choir sings is done to God's glory alone. There is great personal
satisfaction one can receive from singing in the Senior Choir. God's
gift of music lifts our spirit and our Christian faith.
Senior Choir sings approximately 2-3 times each month
for worship services, alternating between the 8:00 and 10:30 services.
Senior Choir meets each Wednesday evening at 7:15 p.m. in the church
balcony.
Handbell Choirs
The Handbell Ministry has grown by leaps and bounds
since its' beginning in 1989. What started as a gift of 3 octaves
of Malmark handbells, has now grown to 5 octaves of handbells, 4 octaves
of handchimes and the participation of 20 adults and children.
The Senior Handbell Choir is open to anyone from
high school age to adult. Some music reading ability is necessary
along with a commitment to attend rehearsals regularly. This choir
plays to the Glory of God approximately twice each month and alternates
between the 8:00 and 10:30 services. In addition to playing solo pieces,
the choir also accompanies the Sr. Choir on occasion and plays with
the organ on some congregational hymns for various festival services.
In 1999 and in every year since, this choir has participated in the
Barrington Area Handbell Festival held in the Spring. This has been
a wonderful experience in sharing the love of Christ through music.
The Sr. Bells rehearse on Thursday evenings at 7:15 p.m. in the balcony.
Instrumental Music
Occasionally, we need to pullout all the stops and
then some. Yes, sometimes the organ and piano are just not enough.
People who live under the Easter blessing need a
little extra musical boost now and then. The Bible tells us in the
Book of Psalms to praise the Lord with the harp, the lute and lyre,
the horn and cornet.
Several times during the church year we put together
brass ensembles to uplift special services like Christmas, Easter,
and Reformation.
We welcome any member of St. Matthew who would like
to assist the music program by playing a wind, string, percussion,
or keyboard instrument. Perhaps you haven't played since high school
or college, but would like to get back into form. Play your heart
out for the Lord.
Links
Lutheran-Hymnal.com--This site contains a large collection
of church music in midi format. In addition to the hymns from three
Lutheran hymnals, there are arrangements for organ and brass as well
as hymns arranged in rock, folk, and country styles.
http://www.lutheran-hymnal.com/
