Wesley Covenant Group Study

The New Testament is full of the stories, teachings and letters from Jesus and the foundation of the early Church. In our next Wesley Covenant Group study, N.T. Wright will take us behind the scenes of stories and events to deepen our understanding and connection to Jesus and the origins of our faith. Join us in this eight-week study from January 26 through March 16 by signing up at the QR code below or registering in Friendship Center on January 12 or January 19.

Sign-Up: https://bit.ly/WinterWCG

Part-Time Organist

PART-TIME ORGANIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CHAMPAIGN
210 W Church Street, Champaign, IL 61820

ABOUT US
https://www.champaignfumc.org/

First United Methodist Church of Champaign is located downtown and serves the university community of Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities.  The congregation has a rich history of music ministry.  The program is constantly evolving to utilize the talents of current musicians and to meet the needs of the worshiping community.

 The sanctuary holds a 1965 three manual Cassavant Pipe Organ with electric action, a Kawai Grand Piano, Roland FP-4 keyboard, five octaves of Schlumerich handbells and four octaves of chimes.  Additionally, a small chapel organ, three additional grand pianos, a set of three timpani, two drum sets and other miscellaneous instruments are available in the building.  Over five thousand titles of keyboard solos and ensembles are catalogued and housed in the church’s music library.

 REQUIREMENTS

·         A person of Christian faith

·         High degree of competence on organ, piano, and keyboard

·         Accompanying experience

·         Willingness to rehearse sufficiently to maintain a high quality of music

·         Sensitivity and ability to communicate in a friendly and professional manner with church staff, church members, members of the public, and other persons present in the church building

·         Ability to sight-read and improvise is desired

 POSITION TYPE AND HOURS

·         Organist is a salaried employee

·         Salary based on candidate’s education, experience, and skill level

·         Organist expected to work an average of 20 hours per week

·         Schedule is arranged according to program needs in consultation with the Directing Pastor and Director of Music and Worship

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Prepare and play hymns, songs, and anthem accompaniments during weekly and seasonal worship services

·         Accompany Chancel Choir during weekly rehearsals

·         Rehearse with and accompany other ensembles and soloists as needed for worship services

·         Play for Major Music Sundays (generally one each semester)

·         Play for weddings and funerals. If unavailable, organist shall find a substitute.

·         Play and/or support the organization of recitals

·         Assist in maintaining music library for organ and keyboard instruments

HOW TO APPLY

  • Review of applications begins October 28, 2024, on a rolling basis. Finalists will be invited to audition/interview on site. Submit the following to:
    llcurtis@illinois.edu

  • Letter of Application

  • CV/Resume

  • Sample recordings of two pieces appropriate for prelude/postlude, two hymns, and a short improvisation on a hymn

  • Names and contact information (emails/phone numbers) for three professional references

 NOTE

·         Persons interested in sharing this position will also be considered

 TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT
Laura Curtis, Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Chair
llcurtis@illinois.edu
2403 Waterbury Place
Champaign, IL 61822
(217) 778-2114

Fall 2024 Music Ministry at FUMC

Rehearsals for FUMC musical ensembles resume their regular schedules soon. All interested musicians (and wanna-be musicians!) are welcome to join. Invite your friends to join us. If you miss the first rehearsal, come to another! Contact Barbara Zachow for more information at 217 356 9078 or bzachow@comcast.net.

First Regular Rehearsal:

• Chancel Choir – Wednesday, August 28, 7:00 – 8:15 pm - Choir Room
 o Youth and adults of any age
o Provide choral music in a variety of styles for worship services

• Perceptions Praise Team - Thursday, August 29, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Sanctuary
 o Youth and adults of any age
o Keyboard, guitar, drum set, vocalists, other instruments

• Chancel Ringers – Tuesday, September 3, 6:00 – 7:00 pm - Bell Tables
 o Youth and Adults of any age
o Intermediate or Advanced handbell experience
o Provide music in a variety of styles for periodic worship services

• Angel Choir - Sunday, September 8, 4:00 – 5:00 pm - Room J
 o 3 years old through 5th graders
o Singing, tone chimes, beginning bells, Orff and rhythm instruments, foundational music reading skills

• Youth Music – Sunday, September 8, 5:00 – 6:00 pm - Choir Room
 o 6th through 12th graders
o Singing, intermediate bells, instruments, other artistic talents

• Clarinet Group – Thursday evenings in the Choir Room
 o Contact Cathy Mitchell (abell80illinois@gmail.com) for more information

• FUMC also hosts Choral Union – Monday, September 9, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Choir Room
o Adults with willingness to sing in and contribute to the community chorus, the ability to match pitch, and the ability to produce a pleasing vocal sound
o Give periodic concerts throughout the community

Welcome Home Bins Ministry

September has been a hectic month with the opening of the new men’s house in Urbana. As everyone settles in, it’s time for an update from Austin’s Place.

We have four new faces in our house! Please welcome Dashea, Haley, Elizabeth, and Briann!

These women have joined Austin’s Place at C-U at Home and are taking their first steps toward stable and independent lives. With the support and encouragement of case managers and the resources provided by the C-U at Home program, these women will find their way - discovering new strengths and talents - and growing into their full potential as contributing members of our community.

Please pray for these women as they take the first steps on their new pathway to progress.

Each woman receives a Welcome Bin from Champaign First United Methodist Church. Each bin contains a set of sheets, a blanket, a pillow, towels, washcloths, a laundry hamper, and a shower caddy for her to use during her time at Austin’s Place. She will take these items with her when she graduates from the C-U at Home program. These bins continue to be a warm welcome for women as they begin to discover what a stable home is like – possibly for the first time in their lives.

As the original home of Austin’s Place, Champaign First UMC has a long history and deep love for the women served by this ministry. This Welcome Home Bins Ministry continues this legacy of support of the women at Austin’s Place. LOVE FIRST!

Your generous donations make this ministry possible. To support this ministry, you can donate with a check payable to FUMC (210 W. Church St, Champaign, IL 61820) or go to our website (www.champaignfumc.org) and click on GIVE. BE SURE TO DESIGNATE YOUR GIFT FOR AUSTIN’S PLACE/WELCOME BINS so it goes into the correct account.

Spreading the word - FUMC's New Facebook Page

New Facebook Page Launch

Like and Follow our new page, please

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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CHAMPAIGN

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Facebook page for First United Methodist Church of Champaign. Stay connected with us for updates on our services, events, and community outreach programs. Like and follow our page to join our online community and be part of our mission to spread love and faith. If you need help liking or following our page, please call Bonnie Berner at 217-356-9078 or email her at bberner@champaignfumc.org. Together, let's make a difference in Champaign and beyond.

 Click this link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095420768236

Where Connecting, Growing and Serving are a Way of Life