The music ministry program of First United Methodist Church affords people of all ages the opportunity to offer their gifts to the glory of God and to share their musical talents with the congregation and the community. Music is a vital part of our community of faith as we worship and praise God.
All interested folks are invited to participate in the choral music program. Being able to read music is not a requirement. We learn to sing as a group and share in special times of fellowship. There is much laughter! We end rehearsals with joys and concerns, not only of the choir members, but for anyone in need.
Chancel Choir
The members of this choir participate in the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services.
The Chancel Choir meets for rehearsals each Thursday night from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. The rehearsals are held in the choir room. Teenagers from the ninth grade up and adults compose this choir. The choir usually recesses during the months of June and July. During that time, vocal and instrumental specials are scheduled for the worship services. FUMC is blessed with many talented musical people who willingly share their gifts with us all.
The Chancel Choir members are the core for the Uvalde Community Choir. They have participated in the annual community Thanksgiving services, Independence Day celebrations, and community Lenten services. They have provided special concerts to a variety of churches in the area. They are generous with their time and are always willing to share the word of God through music.
The choir presents two musicals each year: during Lent and again during the Christmas season. It has become a tradition to present the Christmas musical for our fellow United Methodists in Sabinal, Texas.
To refresh our souls and increase our sight-reading abilities (and to have fun!), we periodically bring in clinicians and composers to work with the choir and local guests. It gives us an added dimension in understanding the reasoning behind the composer’s ideas for anthems.
The Chancel Choir
This intermediate handbell group is composed of dedicated individuals who ring together on Thursday from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. We meet in the Handbell Room in the Music Department on the third floor of the office building. Special music is presented to the congregation once a month during the months of September - May. In addition, Ring of Truth plays for special community and church events. While one does not need to audition, reading music is a plus!
Hand Wringers Choir Chimes
Retired persons make up the majority of this beginners group. Choir chimes are elongated metal chimes - much like that of a tuning fork. They are easier to ring than handbells and do not require the care that handbells do. You do not need to know how to read music! Each score is color marked for ease in reading the notes.
At the current time, the Hand Wringers group is seeking four additional ringers. Their usual time of practice on Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the Handbell Room. There is a chair lift available for those who can't climb the stairs.
All of the choral, handbell and choir chime groups are led by Susan Lovelace-Gerrish, Director of Music Ministries. If you have any questions or would like to join one of the choirs, please give her a call at 830-278-3135.
Crossroads Service
The Crossroads service at First United Methodist Church began as an outreach to people in the community seeking an alternative worship style that included contemporary music combined with a more relaxed and interactive worship service.
This service, beginning at 9:40 a.m., provides a non-traditional approach to worship for those of any age. Crossroad's relaxed atmosphere and use of contemporary music and visuals provides a climate that is inviting to those who grew up in the Church, as well as those who are seeking out God for the first time.
Hymnals and music books are not used. Instead, words are projected onto a large screen. The scripture reading brings additional focus to the service and is creatively woven throughout the entire sermon.
Periodically other media, including film clips or Power Point presentations, is used to support the service’s message. Worship attendees are often encouraged to respond to questions posed by the pastor/speaker during the service. Additional musical selections close the service including the song of the month.
Like the traditional services at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., communion is also offered on the first Sunday of each month at the Crossroads service.
