|
First
Presbyterian Willoughby Music Mission
"Come,
Thou Fount of Ev'ry Blessing,
Tune My Heart to Sing Thy Grace..."
This line from the beloved hymn text by Robert Robinson is a
fitting theme for those involved in the music ministry at 1st Presbyterian
Church Willoughby.
Our Philosophy for music in the church...
Music used for the purpose of worship within the church has
some unique attributes when compared to music in the classroom or concert
hall. Music for worship in the church is functional.
One includes a specific piece of music based not only on its musical merit,
but also because it communicates a particular element in the dialogue of
worship between God and humankind (e.g. praise, thanksgiving, confession,
proclamation, testimony, commitment).
Music for worship in the church should also be our best
offering. The psalmist indicates that we should "play
skillfully" before the LORD (Psalm
33:3). One tries to encourage worship leaders to give their best
offering not only because God is deserving of our best, but also because a
lesser gift can distract from the focus on and worship of God.
Finally, music for worship in the church should be a sacrificial
offering. Giving our best in worship requires as much (or
more) emphasis on the preparation
as in the presentation. One
tries to encourage the kind of presentation "that costs us
something." (2 Samuel 24:24)
We are blessed at 1st Presbyterian Church Willoughby with
musical talent of all ages. We have vocal choirs, handbell choirs, and instrumentals. Please contact
us to see how we can assist you in your participation
in the music ministry at 1st Presbyterian Church Willoughby. Whatever your
gift, we have a place for you!
Choral
Notes
Thanks to the Session and
work of a committee of dedicated members, fundamental repairs to the organ
have been completed. The ranks of pipes have been re-voiced and the
windchest was reconstructed. Come visit us and listen to the beautiful
music our organ can again provide.
Return to top of page
___________________________________________________________________________________
The
Adult Choir provides weekly leadership in worship and is open to adults who have an interest and love of choral singing. Our repertoire includes a wide variety of musical styles: from all the major musical time periods, spirituals, hymn arrangements, and newly composed anthems. They also lead in Christmas Eve worship, Good Friday worship, Easter, and periodically present major works with
along with special music instrumentals.
Return to top of page
HANDBELL CHOIR
The bell choir is a fun group of people who enjoy praising God
through music. Rehearsals are once a week - Sundays from 7-8:30 pm.
The bells usually perform in church once a month. We are always open
to new people - those who have rung before and those who have never picked
up a bell in their life!
If you are between the ages of 14 and 114
and would like to give us a try, please contact Mrs. Shanti Blatnik at the
church office (440-946-0070), or just show up at one of our rehearsals.

Thank you to the bell choir
for making this a great year. Your time and effort that you give
towards each performance has given the congregation another way to praise
God through a wonderful listening experience.
Thanks goes to Nancy, Lois, Diane, Melinda, Harriet, and Denise for
being my "core" group of ringers that I have been able to count
on this year. A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME goes to Shelley, Kimberly and
Diane - you are helping to extend the possibilities. Have a
great summer and I will see you in the fall.
Shanti
Return to top of page
SPECIAL
MUSIC
Blow
the dust off your saxophones! Buy some new reeds for your clarinet! Warm
up your flutes! Play a little piano? Enjoy ringing the chimes? 1st
Presbyterian Church Willoughby welcomes anyone with any talent playing
musical instruments to participate in weekly worship services, and special
services throughout the year.
 
Return to top of page
YOUTH
MUSIC
The
mission of the music program for children is to develop:
-
The
God-given talents of all children
-
The
use of talents in the service of God
-
The
understanding of a creative God through personal creative expression
-
The
skills of music fundamentals and ensemble techniques
-
Tradition
through learning of scripture, sacrament, doctrine and history
-
Teamwork,
fellowship and positive relationships (peer-to-peer, inter-generational)
-
The
engagement of the community through outreach programs.

Return to top of page
OUR
ORGAN
Our
Wicks
Pipe Organ was initially installed in 1979. In 2000, the congregation spent over
six months of work refurbishing and upgrading this unique organ. The new
electronic control system, including over 1200 pipe connections, is the same
system used in the Cleveland Severance Hall organ. The sound from 34 ranks,
60 to 80 pipes per rank, produces an outstanding musical experience.

Return to top of page
We share in the mission and ministry of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) in the Metro Cleveland region, the state of Ohio, the United States, and throughout the
world.
We have been a part of the Willoughby community since 1833 and are a
member church of the Presbytery of the Western Reserve, Synod of Covenant, and
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
|