First Presbyterian Church - Music Ministry

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Handel's "Messiah" Sunday, December 4, 2011

A crowd packed the Sanctuary for the performance of G.F. Handels 18th Century masterpiece and seasonal favorite, "The Messiah."

Performing Handel's work were the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (Fouad Fakhouri conducting) and the Cumberland County Oratorio Singers.


Don Milholin, bass, and Shannon French, mezzo soprano, sang for the crowd.

First Church Receives Gift of Pipe Organ

The Session has approved the generous and anonymous gift of a 13-rank Moller pipe organ for the Chapel. The organ, which was last played at the First Presbyterian Church of Eden, North Carolina, is currently being refurbished by the Miller Pipe Organ Company of Buford, Georgia. It is expected to be ready and installed by the end of 2011 or beginning of 2012.

The Chapel has never had a real pipe organ and a buyer has been secured for the electronic organ now being used in the Chapel. Little disruption of worship in the Chapel is expected when the new pipe organ is finally installed. The addition of the Chapel pipe organ will complement the music ministry at First Church, which already has the use of a Moller pipe organ in the Sanctuary, an organ roughly five times larger than the one obtained for the Chapel.

Progress on the Chapel Organ project continues. Preparation of pipe chambers in the Chapel has been completed. Rebuilding and expansion of the instrument are underway in the facilities of Miller Pipe Organs in Buford, Georgia. Plans are for the organ to be delivered to First Church in late January 2012 for installation. Interruption of services in the Chapel should be at a minimum. The present Allen digital organ in the Chapel will be removed by its new owner in mid-January 2012. The pipe instrument will be the first of its kind to be installed in the Chapel. The organ will be a tremendous asset to First Church’s excellent music ministry.

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Music Ministry Schedule

ADULT ENSEMBLES

If you would like more information regarding any of the choirs below, please contact Betty-Neill Parsons, Interim Director of Music, 910.483.0121 or email musicdirector@firstprez.com.

Chancel Choir

(Wednesday, 6:30 pm)

The Chancel Choir sings weekly for the 10:55 am Service of Worship as well as for other special services throughout the year. Repertoire consists of a wide variety of styles from classical and traditional to spirituals and contemporary. Membership is open to all High School through Adult. Childcare is available.

First Praise

(2nd, 4th, & 5th Sundays, 6:00 pm)

First Praise sings on the first Sunday of the month for both Services of Worship (8:30 and 10:55 am) and other special services. Our repertoire is more blended and contemporary in nature. Membership is open to all. First Praise is directed by Linda Huff. She can be reached at 910-483-9591

Chapel Choir

(2nd & 4th Sundays, 8:00 a.m.)

The Chapel Choir sings on the second and fourth Sundays for the 8:30 am Service of Worship in the Chapel. Rehearsals are at 8:00 am on the Sunday the choir is singing. Anthems are simple in nature and are in a wide variety of styles. Betty-Neill Parsons directs the Chapel Choir.

Choir for Special Services

(As Needed)

This choir will consist of individuals willing to be called upon to lead the music for Funerals and Memorial Services. One may be a member of another choir or just willing to help out when needed. Call or email Betty-Neill Parsons if you are willing to be contacted when there is need for this choir. (see contact information above).

YOUNG ADULT ENSEMBLES

Pure in Heart

(Sundays, 3:45 p.m.)

This is a high school treble chorus sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. The choir is comprised of girls from different schools as well as local churches. Pure in Heart participates in Services of Worship at First Presbyterian Church and throughout the community. Pure in Heart is directed by Sharon Coker. Contact Sharon Coker, Choir Director,at 483-9606 or scoker3@nc.rr.com.

Faithful Hearts

(Sundays, 5:15 p.m.)

This is a middle school treble chorus. Faithful Hearts is led by Sharon Coker. Contact Sharon Coker for more information, 483-9606 or scoker3@nc.rr.com.

HANDBELLS

Youth/Canticle Handbell Ringers

(Sunday, 5:00 pm)

6th - 12th Grade - This is a new group being formed for the youth. Anyone grades 6-12 is invited to join, regardless of musical ability!

Adult, College, and High School - This group is for adults who enjoy fun and fellowship while enjoying the art of handbell ringing. Musical ability is desired but not required. This group rings for Services of Worship and other programs.

Revelation Ringers

(Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.)

Adults - This is a group of handbell ringers who want more! These ringers will explore the art of ensemble handbell ringing. (Ensemble ringing requires fewer ringers than a regular handbell choir.) They will ring for Services of Worship and other programs.

INSTRUMENTALISTS

Instrumentalists

We always have a need for instrumentalists to be involved in the music life of First Church. Instrumentalists accompany choirs, play solos, or participate in ensembles. If you play an instrument and wish to share your talents, please contact the music director at (910) 483-0121 or email musicdirector@firstprez.com.