Music at United Christian Church
Organists and church musicians
Music is an important part of our worship - we are a congregation who loves to sing, play, and listen to music. We enjoy the old-time hymns as well as more contemporary songs, and we sing them all with great joy and strong conviction. We have been blessed with a number of organists and other musicians over the years, young and not so young. These currently include organist Jane Shroeder and pianist/sound engineer Peter Saladino. We welcome guests who would like to share their instrumental and vocal talent. During the Pandemic Zoom services we have been blessed with recordings by our own musicians and guests, thanks to the skills of Peter and Jane under the direction of Mary Schulien.
The church sponsors free services and concerts during the year for the community, including Christmas Eve, the occasional candlelight holiday concert of the Mount View Singers, and a Lenten Music and Reflection series.
Sunday's ServiceNovember 10, in person and on ZoomWorship leader: Rev.Barnum Guest preacher: Rev. Marisa Laviola, Maine UCC Conference Minister Pianist: Jane Schroeder Prelude: Adagio from the Four Seasons: Autumn (Vivaldi) Opening Hymn: O God Our Help in Ages Past Music of Praise: My Life Flows on in Endless Song Offertory: Come Down, O Love Divine Sermon Hymn: There Is a Balm in Gilead Closing Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory Postlude: Allegro from the Four Seasons: Autumn
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Regular Services when they resume:
Director Mary Schulien and others provide music along with the organ for most services. In non-COVID times, the Wing and a Prayer Choir sings every third Sunday of the month, with rehearsal at 8:45 (tenors, 8:30) before the service. Mary works closely with our pastor and guest preachers to create a harmonious service. At the moment the choir is not singing separately, but joins in with the congregation.
Guest Musicians - come sing and play along wth us!
When the church is open, we include guest musicians for our services whenever we can, especially during special services, such as during Lent and Advent. Right now we are working through Zoom. Visiting singers and musicians are welcome to join us! In normal times, the Wing and a Prayer Choir sings every third Sunday of the month, with a rehearsal at 8:45 AM. If you would like to join us, contact Mary Schulien at 785-3521.
Organists and Church Musicians
Our regular organists currently are Jane Shroeder and Connie Parker. Peter Saladino regularly adds his keyboard skills. Mary Schulien's philosophy is to support and nurture the talents of the young people in our community. She has invited many student musicians to play here over the years. We enjoy watching our young musicians grow in their music as they contribute to our services. Many of these return to be with us now and then. In 2006 we began an organ scholarship program with funds left over from the purchase of our Trillum Legacy organ, which has helped a number of talented students to achieve their potential.
Below are some musical moments from our guests and church musicians:
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