Music

CHANCEL CHOIR

Chancel Choir

Rehearsals are held most weeks during the year, with occasional breaks. The normal rehearsal schedule is:

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. September-May

7:00-8:00 p.m. June-August

This is the 11:00 a.m. service choir, singing a wide variety of traditional choral music. Robes and choir procession, along with the great hymns of faith and organ music, enhance the beauty of this formal service.

There is no audition required for membership in the Chancel Choir-everyone is invited to sing! Contact Pierce Dickens at 764-1878 or pdickens@statesborofirst.com if you would like more information about involvement in Chancel Choir at FUMC.

In addition to singing at the 11:00 a.m. service, the choir presents two programs annually, one in December and one in the spring. Also, the choir sings periodically for the 9:01 worship service.

PAST PROGRAMS

The Chancel Choir presented No Greater Sacrifice by Pamela Martin and Larry Shackley on Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2013, leading the congregation through a remembrance of Christ's final days and His ultimate gift of love.

The Good Friday service on March 29, 2013 included meditative music for flute/organ and clarinet/organ. Participating in the service were Michelle O'Connor (flute), Linda Cionitti (clarinet), and Pierce Dickens (organ).

Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 featured music for brass and organ and music by the Chancel Choir. We welcomed a brass quintet from Georgia Southern University. Additionally, the choir sang the stirring "Hallelujah" from Christ on the Mount of Olives by Ludwig van Beethoven.

On Maundy Thursday of 2012, the choir presented Harvest of Sorrows, a hauntingly beautiful work by Joseph Martin. This meditative work led us on the journey to the cross.

On December 16, 2012, the choir led the church and community in A Service of Lessons and Carols, a service with its roots in the 19th century and based upon a long-standing service held annually at Kings College, Cambridge. Anthems, carols and scripture readings will tell the Christmas story in a deeply meaningful manner.

For the first time ever the Chancel Choir was fortunate to collaborate with the choirs of Georgia Southern University in the presentation of the Georgia Southern Community Christmas Celebration, entitled "Mystery...Wonder...Joy". This program was presented at First United Methodist Church on December 2, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Those in attendance heard the Georgia Southern University Chorale, Georgia Southern University Singers, and the Chancel Choir of the First United Methodist Church, all individually and collectively. There was also congregational singing of some of the most-loved Christmas carols.

***Due to its overwhelming success and demand for seats, this concert will now be an annual event hosted by Statesboro First United Methodist Church. Two performances will be presented. Date/time TBA.