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Music with a Mission Series

Welcome to the 2012 – 2013 Music with a Mission Series at First United Methodist Church

Each concert presented in the series will benefit a mission supported by First Church. Most events are free except as noted, open to the public, and have unreserved seating. A tithe of the free will offering collected will help those in need both locally and around the world.
 

 We look forward to having you with us!
Click here to download the 2012-2013 Music with a Mission Brochure.

  

The Concert Choir of Grand Rapids Community College
Sunday, November 11, 2012 – 3:00 pm
This vibrant ensemble performs an eclectic program of choral gems. Dr. Stephen Barton directs this highly select group that is the premier ensemble at the college.

Annual First Church Christmas Concert: “Service of Lessons and Carols”
Sunday, December 9, 2012 – 6:30 pm
Join in this Christmas tradition based on the scripture and song of Advent. The voices of children, youth, and adults combine with handbells and liturgical dancers to make this a reflective and meaningful event. Of course there is the opportunity for the audience to join in this festive time through the singing of carols, led by the mighty sounds of the pipe organ. Plan to join us for Christmas 2012.

Celebration of the Arts Gala Opening: James Croom in Concert
Saturday, February 2, 2013 – 3:00 pm
Join us for an afternoon of song with tenor, James Croom. Croom’s powerful and expressive voice coupled with his abundant warmth makes for an afternoon to remember. Our own Eric Strand will collaborate at the piano.

The Hildegard Singers with Early Music Michigan
Sunday, February 10, 2013 – 4:00 pm
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Hildegard Singers, Linn Maxwell, Barbara McCargar, Diane Penning and Lisa Walhout, each have outstanding solo careers and have come together to celebrate the hauntingly beautiful music of Hildegard of Bingen. Early Music Michigan is dedicated to the lively and historically informed performance of music of an earlier age. Artistic Director, Eric Strand leads the ensemble in early Spanish music of Pilgrimage.

Words of Albert Schweitzer and the Music of Bach - A Multimedia Musical Dramatization by Thurston Moore
Sunday, April 21, 2013 – 3:00 pm
The remarkable Albert Schweitzer was a rare and gifted individual with immense creativity. Premiered in 1995, this dramatization has helped to keep the legacy of Schweitzer alive and to preserve the glorious music of Bach. The poignant text, fine choice of repertoire and beautiful slides will create a beautiful effect along with the fine Moller-Buck organ at First Church. This production brings cultural and spiritual enrichment to all who see it.

Festival of Trumpets - International Trumpet Guild Concert Series – Tickets available at the door.
Saturday, June 15, 2013: 2:30 pm
Mark your calendar for the 38th Annual Conference of the International Trumpet Guild, where highly charged classical and hot jazz will come together in a cool city to create a musical explosion that’s sure to make history. First Church is one of the primary venues for some of the finest trumpet players in the world. For up to the minute news and a complete schedule see www.gvsu.edu/itg2013/itg-2013-schedule-58.htm.