For information about our music Ministry
please visit:
Jenny Gafron
Choir Director
Office@fumcpalatine.org
Ph: 847-359-1345
The Music Ministry at the First United Methodist Church of Palatine offers exciting opportunities of service through musical arts for ages ranging from pre-kindergarten through adults. The purpose of the Music Ministry is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through music and song, encourage believers in their walk with Christ, lead the congregation in worship and provide an avenue through which individuals may share their gifts and be an integral part of the worship experience. Music is an offering to the Glory of God, and through music, we seek to create beauty and inspiration in worship. Music is also an effective tool in the teaching of the Christian faith and the scriptures. All of our musical groups welcome new members, are voluntary, and everyone is encouraged to participate, regardless of experience. There are no auditions for membership, and the only qualification is a true desire to be of service to God and the Church. Whether you are a professional musician or just love music, we believe there is a place for you to serve. Please take a moment to review the many programs we have to offer and prayerfully consider what God would have you do with the musical gift He has given you.
“Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.”
— From John Wesley’s Directions for Singing, 1761
Chancel Choir
Meets on Thursday's @ 7:30pm
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Who are they? The Chancel Choir is an all-volunteer group which works with the pastor and the Director of Music Ministries, Michael Grippo, to provide music for the various services held at the church.
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What do they do? The primary job of the choir is to provide music during church services but this only tells part of the story:
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Special services such as Christmas, Easter, and the Maundy Thursday service get extra attention.
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How can I Become a Member? Anyone who would like to become a member of the choir may do so simply by showing up to rehearsal.
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Do I have to audition? All you need is a love of music and the passion for singing.
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Do I have to be a trained musician? No musical training required.
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What are rehearsals like? Warm-ups start at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. We practice upcoming music in an atmosphere that is fun and laid back. We allow time for announcements and share prayer concerns. Rehearsals end at 9:00 with a prayer. In addition, the choir gets together about 30 minutes before Sunday services to review the music for the service. Generally the choir practices from late August through early June.
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When does Chancel Choir sing? At the 9:30 a.m. service. We also sing at special services such as Holy Week and Christmas Eve and present a Christmas Cantata each year.
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Whom do I contact if I have more questions? Director of Music Ministries Jenny Gafron – office@fumcpalatine.org or (847)-359-1345.
Praise Band
Meets on Sunday's @ 8:15am
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Who are they? Praise Band is the contemporary music ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Palatine. We are an all-volunteer group of instrumentalists and singers. We share our combined musical talent as part of our service to God and our community.
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What do they do? Praise Band leads worship on the first and second to last Sunday’s of the month in the Fall, Winter, and Spring and various times in the summer. Praise Band supports the service theme and sermon with music, with song selection spanning multiple genres and styles including rock, pop, jazz, and acoustic.
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How can I Become a Member? Anyone who would like to become a member of the choir may do so simply by showing up to rehearsal.
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Do I have to audition? All you need is a love of music and the passion for singing and playing.
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Do I have to be a trained musician? No musical training required.
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What are rehearsals like? Praise Band rehearses on Sunday mornings from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the church basement. We practice upcoming music in an atmosphere that is fun and laid back.
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When does Chancel Choir sing? At the 9:30 a.m. service. We also sing at special services such as Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve, and Good Friday each year.
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Whom do I contact if I have more questions? Director of Music Ministries Jenny Gafron – office@fumcpalatine.org or (847)-359-1345.
Jubilate Ringers
Meets on Tuesday's @ 7:00pm
The Jubilate Ringers Handbell Choir is a unique music ministry at our church. It brings the joyful sound of bells to the Sunday service about once a month, and occasionally joins the Chancel Choir or His Kids Choir for special presentations.
The ringers are a diverse group, and all are welcome to visit and try their “hand” at ringing with us. No experience is really necessary, although the ability to read music is preferred.
Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings at 7pm at the church, and even if you can’t commit to every performance, we often need substitute or additional ringers for some Sundays.
Let director John Foley know if you are interested, and he will work with your schedule to include you in the group. Our goal is to make a joyful noise, while having fun and praising God through our music.