1Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
Psalm 95:1-2
Music is an integral part of worship at St. Paul’s. In my two years here, I have experienced the joy of sharing music of all kinds with the congregation, be it choral, solo, or instrumental.
My philosophy has always been that performing is only part of the experience. Coming together to learn and explore the sacred repertoire is also a communion with our faith. It restores us, it refreshes us, it brings us together in fellowship as we prepare to raise our talents and offer them in service to God.
With that in mind and as we approach the new liturgical year, I would like to invite our community to consider joining in the musical activities at St. Paul’s. Opportunities abound to “extol him with music and song.”
Adult Choir
Our Adult Choir is in service from September through May and is open to those desiring to share their vocal talents in worship.
Our choir is a vested group that provides music for offertories, holidays, and special events. Our rehearsals are meant to be as much a spiritual experience as they are practical.
If you can read and follow music and are interested in enhancing the worship experience at St. Paul’s, we invite you to join us.
Rehearsals are on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., with performances every other Sunday (on average) during the 10:00 a.m. worship service.
During the Christmas season and Holy Week the choir sings for additional services. Please feel free to come to a rehearsal or contact me or Jane Weber for more information.
Chimes Choir
This year we are trying something new and exciting! We are assembling a Chimes Choir that will complement our Adult Choir. Ringing chimes is a fun and joyous way to heighten the worship experience, and, like the Adult Choir, is an immersive experience in sacred music.
The Chimes Choir is open to music readers from intermediate to advanced levels. Rehearsals are held every other Sunday at 7:00 p.m. and performances are a part of the 10:00 a.m. worship service once per month on average.
We will also open the Chimes Choir to all, regardless of music-reading ability, for holidays and special occasions.
Offertory Solos
Singing or playing an instrument for the offertory is an intimate and powerful way to express one’s faith in music. There are opportunities to perform an offertory solo at least once per month during the liturgical season, and even more during the summer.
If you have an interest in sharing your talent with the congregation, I encourage you to contact me.
Youth Opportunities
Singing and performing in a group setting is a great way to introduce our young people to the joy of music and help build their faith.
Our first project of the season is the Christmas Pageant on December 24th. Rehearsals for the pageant will begin in October, and will include fun music-learning activities and games.
In Closing
While singing hymns and chants is an important part of the 10:00 a.m. worship experience, coming together as a choir and raising our voices in song is a powerful way to lift not only our spirits, but the spirits of all those around us.
It is my hope that you will consider joining us and lending your talents to the glory of God at St. Paul’s.
Sincerely, Brad Cresswell
St. Paul’s Director of Music
brad@stpaulsmaumee.org
(419) 320-4575