Music Ministry
(View Mel Larimer Concert Series)
Our mission is to use God's wonderful gift of music to bring His people closer to Him and to provide opportunities for all who feel called to serve through our choirs, handbell ringers, and instrumental ensembles to worship God at First Congregational Church.
Soli Deo Gloria... to God alone be the glory.
- Sally Lewis - Music Coordinator 947-6698, Fax 947-0457
- Russ Larimer - Sanctuary Choir Director 947-6698
- Margo Sirrine - Childrens Choir Director 947-6698
- Gregg Law - Praise Teams Director 947-6698
- Sally Lewis - Handbell Choirs Director, Organist
Ministries
Sanctuary Choir
- Director Russ Larimer rehearses the choir from 7:00PM TO 8:30 PM on Wednesday and at 9:30 AM on Sunday mornings prior to the 10:30 AM service.
Children's Choir
- Director Margo Sirrine rehearses from 6:30-7:30 PM on Wednesdays
Handbell Choirs
- Director Sally Lewis - Sanctuary Handbell Ringers (adults) rehearse from 6:00-7:30 PM on Wednesdays
- Director Sally Lewis - Godsbell Ringers (youth) rehearse from 4:45-5:30 PM on Wednesdays
Contemporary Praise Teams
- "Light the Fire" Praise Team for Saturday 6:30 service (Guitars, keyboard, drums, harmonica, vocals / Coordinator: Gregg Law)
- Praise Team for Sunday 10:30 AM contemporary service. (Guitars, keyboard, drums, vocals / Coordinator: Gregg Law.
Instrumental Worship Music
- Organist Sally Lewis - Casavant pipe organ is the among the finest in Northern Michigan. Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos enhance services.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Mel Larimer Concert Series - Sally Lewis, Coordinator
Jim Hendricks, Internatinal Pianist
Sunday - March 14, 4:00 pm: Our next Mel Larimer Concert will be on March 14 at 4PM. Pianist Jim Hendricks began intriguing musicians and family members as a child with the uncanny ability to play anything he heard on records and memorize any printed music that came across the piano. While still in grammar school, Jim was able to transcribe complex harmonies and melodies by ear – without the use of a piano. He continued intensive musical study and was considered a professional as a teenager.
Following high school, Jim performed with such greats as Dave Brubeck, Della Reese, Jack Jones, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Tito Puente, Rita Moreno, Maynard Ferguson, Jon Faddis, Arturo Sandoval, and many others.
At age 25, Jim accepted a professorship in the piano department of Chicago State University. While on tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Jim realized that he was not using his talents for God’s glory. Already being a dedicated Christian for many years, Jim knew it was time to leave the secular music world and follow God’s calling into Christian ministry.
He will bless all of us at our traditional and contemporary services with gospel and contemporary Christian music, characterized by unmatched technical ability and passion.
Jim’s performances will excite you to come to his concert at 4PM on Sunday, March 14th. Jim has performed over 1,000 Christian piano concerts in churches all across the land, including three appearances at the Crystal Cathedral. He has made ten piano recordings, performed on ABC, CBS, PAX, and TBN. The Lord has greatly blessed his decision to bring glory to Christ through music and testimony.
All are welcome. Suggested donation $15 adults, $5 students, $40 per family.
