Summer Hymn Sing - Send in your favorites!

For the past few years, we have enjoyed a hymn sing during the summer church services. As in previous years, we are asking you to submit your favorite hymns.

Email Angela (angela@firstpaloalto.com) the name (and number if you know it) of the hymn you are requesting and also tell us why it is important to you.

You can also request a hymn by writing it on the attendance pad during worship.

Each week during the Summer we'll sing three requested hymns.

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Summer Choir Starts June 15th

Our choirs take a well-deserved break during the summer months, so we invite you to join our Summer Choir.

Starting June 15, 2008 come to the Sanctuary at 9:30am for rehearsal. We'll rehearse an easily accessible anthem which we'll then present during the worship service.

Join us for one Sunday or every Sunday!

Everyone is welcome!

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Doron Nesher and Ginny Morgan Sing the Psalms

On the "eve" of Passover, Sunday, April 20, 2008, Doron Nesher and Ginny Morgan sang Psalm 131 and Psalm 121 at the 10:30am service. The music was composed by Doron.

Doron Nesher is a renowned Israeli writer, scriptwriter, actor, film director and producer, and host of TV and radio shows. Some of Doron’s work won prestigious Israeli prizes and have become landmark works on the Israeli film and TV scene.

Ginny Morgan is a native of the Bay Area, and started studying viola at the age of eight. She has played in many local orchestras and ensembles. In addition to her classical training, Ginny also has studied and played folk, jazz, and Mexican music.

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Hallelujah Chorus - Easter 2008

Listen to the 2008 Easter Sunday performance of the Hallelujah Chorus.

Our Easter Sunday tradition is for anyone who is interested to join with the Chancel Choir on the Chancel steps to sing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.

If you enjoy listening to, or performing great music, we invite you to come to one of our worship services.

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Postludium Concert Series

Once a month join us immediately following worship for the Postludium Concert series, a new series of 20-30 minute musical offerings. In the season ahead we will offer a great variety of musical styles as we explore inspiring masterworks of faith as well as entertaining concert artistry.

Plan to stay for a while and enjoy the gift of music by our music staff and friends.

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Concerts

First's vast cathedral acoustically compliments many quality concerts and recitals held by Bay Area musicians. We regularly host performances of groups such as the Philharmonia Baroque, New Century Chamber Orchestra, and Midsummer Mozart Festival.

Contact the concerts coordinator, Harriet Howell 650-323-6167

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Special Music Presentations

The First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto has a very active music program.

We regularly offer special music presentations as part of our worship services.

Past offerings have included:

• The Duruflé Requiem
• The Mozart Requiem in D Minor
• A New Creation by René Clausen
• The Winter Rose by Joseph M. Martin
• Dubois' The Seven Last Words of Christ
• The Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns

Click here to learn more about, and listen to some of these special music events.

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Mozart Requiem in D Minor

On Sunday, March 25, 2007 we presented the Mozart Requiem in D Minor, K626.

This presentation featured the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir and soloists with a professional orchestra and the Los Altos High School Concert Choir.

The Requiem was conducted by Mark Andrew Shaull.

This performance was part of our 10:25 am worship service.

Click here to download a flyer for this event.

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The Faith We Sing

Thanks to a grant from our Centennial Endowment Funds, we have purchased copies of The Faith We Sing . They can be found in the pews.

The Faith We Sing is a supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal and contains a diverse selection of music from newly written hymns, contemporary worship and praise music to world music.

Our own Hoyt L. Hickman was the general editor of The Faith We Sing. During worship on September 24, 2006 he told us the story of how (and why) this new hymnal was developed.

His wife, Martha Hickman, then discussed her book Wade in the Water: 52 Reflections on the Faith We Sing. It offers 52 reflections on hymns from The Faith We Sing.

Hoyt then led us a prayer of dedication for our new hymnals.

to Hoyt and Martha Hickman discuss The Faith We Sing.

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Singers and Ringers Wanted

We are looking for a few more singers for our Chancel Choir and a few more ringers for our First Methodist Handbells.

Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir rehearsals are on Thursdays from 8-10pm in Kohlstedt Hall. If you would like to sing in the choir and/or need more information, please contact Mark Shaull via email at MarkShaull@aol.com or by phone (408) 605-0941

Handbells
If you read music and you are interested, please come and join the fun! Rehearsals are held on Thursday, evenings from 6:45 pm to 8pm.

For more information please call Debbie Yowell at (650) 380-1334 after August 24th.

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The Merritt Speidel Memorial Organ

Read all about the history and composition of our magnificent Merritt Speidel Memorial Organ.

Click here to read all about our organ

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The Chancel Choir (Adults)

Rehearses at 8:00 pm on Thursdays, in Kohlstedt Hall. In addition to weekly worship, they present special concerts during the year.

Choir retreats, fellowship occasions and Concert Tours are part of the life of this group.

Contact: Mark Shaull 650-323-6167 x111

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First Methodist Handbells (High School and Adult)

Ready to ring? The handbell choir rehearses in the Sanctuary on Thursdaysfrom 6:45 pm until 8:00 PM.

There is always room for new members. The ensemble uses a five octave set of Malmark Bells

Contact: Deborah Yowell

(650) 493-7663

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United Methodist Youth Choir

This choir of 6th-12th graders periodically presents their musical offerings in the worship service.

They also join with the two children's choirs for two annual productions - the Christmas Pageant Christmas Pageant (Christmas Eve), and a Spring Musical that focuses on telling a biblical story in song.

Contact: Jerry Johnson (650) 323-6167 x111

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Children's Choir

We have two children's choirs: The Sunshine Singers (K-1 grades), and the Wesley Choristers (grades 2-5).

These two choirs periodically present their musical offerings in the worship service.

They also join with the United Methodist Youth Choir for two annual productions - the Christmas Pageant (Christmas Eve), and a Spring Musical that focuses on telling a biblical story in song.

Contact: Jerry Johnson 650-323-6167 x111

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Fiume di Musica

Fiume di Musica, the chamber group of First Palo Alto, encourages those in our church family who play an instrument and wish to be part of the river of music to consider joining the group.

We play a range of chamber music, and work as either a full ensemble, or as small sub-groups depending on people's interests and talents.

The core of Fiume is from the church, but musicians from outside are also invited to play as needed and if interested.

Please consider joining, and inviting friends to listen and play.

Contact Alan Cooper 650-321-3644 if you would like to participate

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Hallelujah Chorus - Easter 2006

Listen to the 2006 Easter Sunday performance of the Hallelujah Chorus.

Our Easter Sunday tradition is for anyone who is interested to join with the Chancel Choir on the Chancel steps to sing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.

If you enjoy listening to, or performing great music, we invite you to come to one of our worship services.

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