New singing opportunity opens in Montezuma

MONTEZUMA — The Montezuma United Methodist Church is introducing a new kind of Chancel Choir opportunity for the congregation and for the community.

“The Chancel Choir has been a tradition at Montezuma UMC for many years, and in recent times has continued to sing occasionally in their Sunday worship service and for Christmas Eve,” said Terence Blain, UMC music coordinator, in a press release.

Church choirs of the past have been central in leading singing in worship services and have served as a ministry to those participating, said Blain.

But the traditional church choir models of yesterday have also begun to wane. Many churches focus less on singing from the hymnal and singing in parts.

Generations of people no longer take music lessons and fill their homes with music like they once did. “Families singing around the spinet is just a memory or a reminder through a Rockwell painting these days,” said Blain.

“However, lamenting the past only limits our future,” said Blain. “It’s time to sing a new song. In fact, the Scriptures remind us nearly 10 times to sing a new song, and over 400 times to just sing praise to God. So that’s what we’re going to do. Sing a new song and praise God while doing it.”

The first Chancel Choir rehearsal will be Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. Rehearsals will take place most Wednesdays thereafter.

Rehearsals will begin in the Chapel at the Montezuma United Methodist Church, which is on the main sanctuary level. One does not need to be a member or attend the church to participate.

This opportunity is intended to be multi-generational, for anyone in junior high up to retirees, said Blain. Whole families are welcome.

The music promises to be inspirational and, most importantly, accessible. Singers do not have to have a lot of training or musical knowledge or ability to read complex musical scores. However, being able to match pitch is helpful.

“The new Chancel Choir will be preparing mostly short unison pieces with a few easier two-part selections thrown in,” said Blain.

“Music for the upcoming season of Lent and into Holy Week and Easter will be the main focus at the start, with resources drawn from the UMC Worship and Praise and The Faith We Sing hymnal supplements, plus many inspiring selections from the new Scripture Hymnal that will help folks sing and memorize Scripture. Kind of like a singing Bible study group.”

Community members rehearsing who wish to sing with the choir during the 10 a.m. service at Montezuma United Methodist Church, are welcome, said Blain.

The choir will be singing two or three times each month through May 25. If those participating have other church or family commitments, they can sing and be involved and plug in when it works best, Blain said.