Music Ministry
Worship has been central to the life of the church over the years and continues to inspire with a traditional flavor. The rich traditions of sacred music and the arts have been nurtured with choirs and musical opportunities for young and old. The sanctuary is equipped with a 26 rank Schlicker pipe organ, an Estonia grand piano, hand bells, hand chimes, and a large Schulmerich carillon. Excellent choral music and congregational singing enrich worship each week.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir sings during the 10:30 worship service from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30. Our current 35 member choir ranges in age from early twenties to mid eighties, and anyone is welcome to join. Being able to read music is helpful but not necessary, and joining the choir does not mean you have to be at church every Sunday so don't let your schedule deter you from singing with us! If you enjoy singing, fellowship with friends, and having fun please some and give our choir a try!
Sounds of Peace Bell Choir
The Sounds of Peace Bell Choir plays one a month during the 10:30 worship service from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Rehearsals are at 6:00-6:50 on Wednesdays. We are always looking for new members or people willing to fill in as a substitute when needed. You do need to be able to read music to play, but we will teach you everything else you need to know!
Praise Makers Children's Choir
The Praise Makers Children's Choir sings every 6 to 8 weeks during the 10:30 worship service. Children practice their songs with their music leaders during the Treasure Seekers time at the 10:30 service, so there is no time commitment outside of worship services. This choir also leads the congregation in worship at the Family Christmas Eve service.
Friedens UCC Choral Scholar Program
Each year Friedens UCC hires a young person who is studying music at a local university. The Choral Scholar sings with the Chancel Choir weekly and lends a solo voice to both the 8:30 and 10:30 worship services periodically throughout the year. This program is funded by the Thomas G. Williams Memorial Music Fund and is designed to give talented young people a safe space to refine their music skills and share their God-given talents. The Choral Scholar is paid a stipend that can be used for school expenses not covered by traditional scholarships. Our 2019-2020 Friedens UCC Choral Scholar is Rene Vazquez. Rene is working on a graduate degree in Vocal Music Performance at Indiana University and he hopes to sing in a professional opera company in the future.
Thomas G. Williams Memorial Music Fund
The Thomas G. Williams Memorial Music Fund was created to be the lasting memorial to Friedens' long time organist, Tom Williams. This fund is used to support the Friedens UCC Choral Scholar Program and to hire guest musicians at both the 8:30 and 10:30 services throughout the year. As a tribute to Tom Williams' legacy as both a music educator and church musician, the musicians sponsored by the Memorial Music Fund are primarily college students or emerging professional musicians. Donations to this fund can be made at any time with a check written to Friedens UCC with "Music Fund" written on the memo line.