“Once more, dear friends, into the . . . choir loft?”

Yes, we’re looking for some voices, like our wonderful Easter folk, to swell our ranks for Tim’s installation in May. If you can sing, and would like to be a part of this special day, please come on Thursday April 17, 24, and May 1; if you can make these three rehearsals, you’re in! I’m also hoping to find more instrumentalists to join me. Speak to me after church if you have any questions, or leave me a message at the office, and I’ll get back to you. --Namaste, Charlie

From the Music Director...

Music has always been an important part of the service at First Parish. We have had many different soloists and ensembles as part of the music program, and groups of our own talented instrumental performers to enhance the work of the choir. The choir is active in performing outside of church as well; we’ve sung for Jesse Jackson, the Pew Rallies at Green AME Zion Church, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Services at Merrill Auditorium, and presented joint concerts with Temple Beth El. During the past two years, many of the choir members also sang with the Longfellow Chorus, both in Portland and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

First Parish is a favorite venue for weddings in the Portland area, not only for members, but the community in general. The beauty of the Meeting House, and the wonderful sounds of our three-manual Austin organ and Yamaha grand piano make it a very special place for couples to start their lives together. A list of soloists, both vocal and instrumental, is available. Careful planning between the bridal party, the Music Director, and the officiant helps to insure that the day is truly memorable.

In the coming months, as we search for a permanent Music Director, we will be envisioning the kind of music program that adds even more to the music ministry of First Parish. If you have any thoughts about the music program, please share them with me, or a member of the Music Committee. And if you like to sing, but aren’t ready for the commitment of regular choir membership, there are opportunities every holiday season to join the choir for a special service. I’d also like to know of any instrumentalists who might like an occasional chance to play, either in a special holiday group, or as an addition to the regular Sunday service.

Blessings, Charlie

Jim Scott is Welcomed Back to First Parish April 6th at 7:30 PM

Jim Scott who gave the February 10th Sunday “musical” service, is returning April 6th to give a concert as a fund raiser for First Parish.

Jim has long been active in the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church, and has lead services, presented concerts and offered workshops to UU churches across the country. Three of Jim’s songs are included in the new Unitarian Universalist Hymnbook, and “Gather The Spirit,” has become a favorite across the denomination. Of particular interest to us at First Parish at this time is that Jim served on the board of the UU Musicians Network and was Co-Chair of the ecological/spiritual activist group the UU “Seventh Principle Project” which created the “Green Sanctuary” program for church congregations to become more environmentally conscious.

Tickets: $12.50 to be sold at Sunday Coffee Hour on March 30th & April 6th and at the door the evening of April 6th. Payment by credit card can be made only after the two Sunday services, not at the door.

Acting Music Director
Charles Grindle

Charles Grindle has agreed to fill in for the remainder of the year. Charles is no stranger to First Parish. He has filled in on several occasions this past year as well as serving as Music Director of First Parish twice before: 1983 to 1990 and again 1999 to 2006.

Please welcome Charles. He can be reached at: mrkeys@maine.rr.com and messages can be left for him at the church office: 773-5747.