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. 

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ADULT CHOIR

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.

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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

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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. 

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YOUTH MUSIC

The mission of the music program for children is to develop:

1. The God-given talents of all children

2. The use of talents in the service of God

3. The understanding of a creative God through personal creative expression

4. The skills of music fundamentals and ensemble techniques

5. Tradition through learning of scripture, sacrament, doctrine and history

6. Teamwork, fellowship and positive relationships (peer-to-peer, inter-generational)

7. The engagement of the community through outreach programs.

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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.

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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.).