Welcome to Christ Church, Middletown
the Episcopal parish in Middletown since 1702
90 Kings Highway
Middletown, NJ 07748
732-671-2524
the Episcopal parish in Middletown since 1702 90 Kings Highway Middletown, NJ 07748 732-671-2524 |
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"When
You Sing, You Pray Twice" For the volunteers in the choir, it's not a job without benefits. "Not only does it make you feel good to know that you are using the gifts God gave you to offer music to the church," says Nancy Coffin, "but you'll also become a better musician." A deeper feeling of spiritual connection to God and friendships with other musicians also grow. With its fine acoustics and sonorous organ, Christ Church is a welcoming place for choir singing, bell ringing and brass ensembles. Throughout the school year Music Director Nancy Coffin and Organist Marilyn Brace lead parishioners through rousing anthems and singable hymns every Sunday and holiday. During the summer the music program downshifts into one in which smaller groups practice together on flexible schedules. Ms. Coffin of Aberdeen is a graduate of musical instruction at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. By focusing on melodic hymns that are easy to sing and taking requests for favorite pieces, Ms. Coffin seeks to enrich the congregation's worship through their involvement in music. (Last summer's favorite hymn vote took in 35 entries, all of which found a place in the summer music schedule.) A singer, violinist, and fan of all kinds of music ("from traditional to Gospel to Contemporary Christian") Ms. Coffin admits her favorite church hymn is "Amazing Grace" for its message of comfort and grace. At home, the CDs she listens to the most are by Christian artists Michael W. Smith and Michael Card. All parishioners are invited to join the Christ Church music program. The adults and bell choir rehearse on Wednesday night for an hour. Ms. Coffin wants potential volunteers to know that missing a week is permissible; parents who sing in the choir may return to their children in their pew immediately after the anthem is sung; and that knowing how to read music is not necessary. "We do have members who don't read music, but I ask that you can carry a tune," she says. The musical groups at Christ Church consist of: Church School Choir, Adult Choir, Brass Ensemble and Bell Ringers. The bell ringers and brass ensemble play on special holidays and events. The choirs also sometimes travel to sing and ring at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ms. Coffin also teaches music to the children at summer Vacation Bible School. To learn more about joining the friendly Christian music groups at Christ Church, please contact the church office at Tel: 732-671-2524 or email us at christchurchmiddletown@verizon.net. Pictured above: Palm Sunday Procession featuring Joe Lawlor on the trumpet, Christ Church Choir and congregation.
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Christ Church is accessible to persons with disabilities. updated November 18, 2008 |
