Music - United Methodist Church

Serve through Music

We are richly blessed through many opportunities to worship with music.  Our music programs, under the leadership of the Rev. Jim Kraus, are viewed as a vital ministry.  Sometimes music is a way God speaks to us and encourages us.  Other times music is a means to offer praise to God.  Music can be used to call people to Christ and a relationship with Him.  Special music services at Christmas and Lent offer occasions to invite others who might not come to church on a regular basis.

Do you have musical talent to share?  Contact Jim Kraus

Chancel Choir – Older youth and adults are welcome to sing with us.  The Chancel Choir sings weekly at the 11:00 am Sunday worship service and occasionally at the 8:30 am service.  We also participate in special services during the year.  Rehearsals – Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9:00 pm.

Handbell Choir – The Handbell Choir uses four octaves of bells and two octaves of handchimes.  Adults who have some music-reading ability are welcome to join us.  We ring for Sunday morning worship services every month or two and occasionally for other special programs and services.  Practices – Wednesdays, 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Worship Band – Do you play guitar, bass, percussion, or keyboard?  Are you interested in singing?  Do you prefer contemporary church music?  If so, this could be the the group for you to serve the Lord.  The Worship Band leads our Catch 9:45 casual service on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am.  Practices – once a week, day and time set by participants.

Women’s Ensemble – The Women’s Ensemble sings at different times throughout the year.  We sing for a specific program or service and our rehearsals are scheduled accordingly.  If you are interested in singing in a group that doesn’t require a regular rehearsal schedule.

Instrumentalists – If you are interested in playing an instrument, whether as a soloist or in an ensemble, we will find a place for you to participate.  

Young Singers' Choir – Any singer in 4th grade and up is welcome to join this newly formed choir.  We prepare to sing for upcoming Sunday services.  Rehearsals -Every other Wednesday at 6:00 pm beginning January 18.

Teen Praise Bands - These bands play at FLAME youth groups and lead worship time with energetic music and contemporary songs of praise.  Do you play guitar, keyboard or drums or like to sing?  If you’d like to participate, contact Director of Youth Ministries Dan Colthorp.

High School Praise Band plays at high school FLAME every Sunday, 7:30 to 9:00 pm.  
Practices – Sundays, 6:30 to 7:15 pm.

Middle School Praise Band plays at middle school FLAME every Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
Practices – Wednesday, 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Christian Musicals - St. Joseph First UMC has staged two recent productions, Godspell in 2010 and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2011, utilizing the uncommon talents of our own church members and including some community members with outstanding abilities.  The musicals were wonderful outreach events!