Music Ministry
First United Methodist Church of Gilbert offers many opportunities for singers and musicians of all ages and levels of musicianship to join its lively and varied music program. The Music Ministry strives to provide a diverse spiritual offering.
The Sunday 8:00 am service centers around traditional music, regularly requiring the use of the organ, piano, and sometimes orchestral instruments, so as to establish an atmosphere conducive to worship and prayer. A broad range of musical styles can fall under this traditional music umbrella ranging from music of the Renaissance church through anthems influenced by the contemporary Christian movement.
The Sunday 9:30 am service provides a more casual and contemporary atmosphere with a praise band.
There are numerous opportunities to participate or assist the Music Ministry. All ensemble rehearsals are held at the church—some in the choir room, some in the bell room, and some in the sanctuary—and while we have a steadily growing program of participants, we are always looking to add to the ranks of both experienced and inexperienced volunteers.
If you have an interest in joining one of our groups in the music program or if you have any questions, please email Randy Van Der Pol,
call or email the church office (480-892-9166).
Chancel Choir
Wednesdays at 6:30PM
Sanctuary
Who is Welcome?
The Chancel Choir is open to all singers High School age and above. There is no audition required. We have singers of all levels, those with little choral background to the very accomplished with a lifetime of choral experience. This unique group is bound together through its love of Christ and the joy of making great choral music in his worship. New singers are always welcome. To sing with the Chancel Choir simply attend a rehearsal.
Concerts, Larger Choral Works and Special Events
Special performances during Advent and Holy week and throughout the year are also performed. In the past we have performed A Festival of Lessons and Carols by John Leavitt; A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols by Anna Laura Page and Jean Anne Shafferman; and Requiem by Gabriel Fauré.
The Chancel Choir takes a well deserved break during the months of June and July. During those summer months, members from the Choir and Congregation perform as solos or groups during the services.
For any questions or interest in sharing your God given talent, please email Randy Van Der Pol,
call or email the church office (480-892-9166).
Praise Band
From left: Tim Ryan, David Dustman, Jackson Van Der Pol, Singlia Kopp, Melissa Van Der Pol, Randy Van Der Pol, Dirk Smith, Nathan Van Der Pol and Anthony Airdo.
Worship Leader Randy Van Der Pol and the Praise Band leads the congregation on Sundays at our 9:30 am Contemporary Service. The Praise Band features regulars and guest singers and musicians.
A word from Randy Van Der Pol
Worship Leader
Q: How did you get involved in music?
I was very fortunate to grow up in a Christian home. My Mom played piano by ear, and I remember as a young child hearing her play hymns on the piano. I always felt that Music was the expression of the soul, and at a young age that was all I wanted to do. As I got older, I realized that there was nothing better than using the talents that God gave each and everyone of us for his glory and honor, which lead me into worship leading. It is very humbling that God has allowed me to be used in this way to help build his kingdom.
Randy leading worship
Q: Tell us about a significant moment in your journey to know Christ.
I gave my life to Christ at a Church camp when I was in the 8th grade. I remember it so vividly. I went down to the front and dropped to my knees and prayed to God. I felt the Holy Spirit’s power for the first time. It was overwhelming. I remember staying there for quite a while. I am certainly a “work in progress!” The one thing I do know is that the Holy Spirit has never, nor will ever, leave me.
Q: What role does music play in worship and enriching our relationship with Christ?
I feel music plays a very important role in worship. I know there are a lot of different styles of worship music: traditional, contemporary, modern, and many others. I don’t think God cares about what style of music we worship God with. I think what God really cares about is that we worship with an “Open Heart.”
Just as there are scriptures that come to mind when needed in difficult times of your life, praise songs and hymns can be used that way as well.
It can certainly lift up your soul! Have you noticed that it is really hard to be in a bad mood when you are singing worship songs to God?
For any questions or interest in sharing your God given talents, please email Randy Van Der Pol or contact the church office: 480-892-9166 or secretary@gilbertumc.org
Bell Choir
Wednesdays
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Bell Room
We play frequently through out the year during the 1st and 2nd service and have been requested to play at funerals held at the church as well.
Nursery/child care is available upon request.
Handbells were invented in 17th-century England, as a solution to a noisy problem. People living near church bell towers had grown tired of listening to long change-ringing rehearsals. The invention of smaller, quieter bells that could be rung with one hand made it possible for rehearsals to take place in the spirited warmth of pubs.
It wasn’t long before people realized that handbells could be used for more than change-ringing, and people began to assemble fully-chromatic sets of bells.
Handbells were first brought to the United States around 1840, where they were popularized by P.T. Barnum as a circus attraction. Not long afterward, handbell teams went into the Vaudeville circuit. In the 1940’s, people began ringing handbells in American churches. Handbells were first manufactured in the United States in the 1960’s. Today there are over 10,000 handbell choirs in North America, most of which are associated with churches.
Bells are among the most ancient of musical instruments, and have been used in worship since the some of the earliest documentable times. First United Methodist of Gilbert has a long tradition of bell choirs. Our ensemble generally rings with 9-10 bell ringers (playing Schulmerich Bells, as well as Suzuki Tone Chimes. The Wesleyan Bells welcomes capable ringers of high school age and above.
For any questions, please email Jonathan Cochran or contact the church office: 480-892-9166 or secretary@gilbertumc.org
Children’s Choir
10:00-10:25 am
Music Director’s Office
Children ages 5-12
For any questions, please email Randy Van Der Pol or contact the church office: 480-892-9166 or secretary@gilbertumc.org
Allen Organ
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Allen invented the digital organ format that most closely exact realistic pipe organ sounds, through Renaissance Quantum™ digital voicing, with the capacity to retain even the most subtle nuances of a true pipe organ.
First United Methodist Church of Gilbert incorporates into traditional worship services its beautiful Allen digital three manual instrument, manufactured by Allen Organ Company, in Macungie, Pennsylvania. Please come and enjoy the beautiful sounds that touch your heart and soul as you listen to our organist.