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Music Ministry
Adult Choir meets every Thursday, 7:30- 8:30pm except during summer. Anyone from high school age, college, and on up is invited to sing with this group. The adult choir will sing twice a month, as well as for festival services, the Ministerial Alliance Concert in the fall, and our own Christmas Concert in December. Anyone wishing to learn more about the Adult Choir or who may be desiring to become a member, contact director, or the church office.
Director: Allyn Steffens
Men's Choir meets every Wednesday, 7:00-8:00pm, in the choir room at the church. The schedule is flexible and can be changed for special performances and requested appearances throughout the year. The choir does not meet in the summer, other than for a special event when requested. The choir is presently utilizing the talents of Mr. Eric Seibel as director. The choir is extremely fortunate to have Mrs. Janet Seibel to accompany them. Her musical talents definitely lend depth and definition to the music presented. The combination results in a very reverent, enthusiastic and glorious way to serve the Lord. The choir performs during services at Immanuel, the annual Christmas concert, the Ecumenical concert, civic programs and has on occasion traveled to other area churches to proclaim God's word in song. The group has been well received in the community and is one of only a very few men's choirs in the area. New members are always welcome. Anyone interested may contact a choir member or associate, or the church office.
Director: Eric Seibel
Grace
Immanuel School Children take turns singing for the church. Director:
Allyn Steffens
Handbell Choir. The choir performs during services at Immanuel, the annual Christmas concert, the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, and have on occasion traveled to other area churches. At all times they are using their skills to praise the Lord through the ring of the bells. New members are always welcome. Anyone interested may contact a choir member
or the church office. Director: Allyn Steffens
Director of Music Message
By Allyn Steffens
"O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright"
For many Christians, hymns serve
as one of the more inspiring elements of worship. Hymns also enrich ones life
when used as personal devotions.
"O Morning Star, How Fair and
Bright" is considered the "queen of chorales." This hymn serves
as a basis for an enlightening devotion. Phillipp Nicolai published this hymn in
1599 in response to the devastation of the plague in Unna in Westphalia. Does a
hymn written over 500 years ago still speak to us today? That answer will be
obvious after taking a closer look at the text.
Take note of any news media– the paper,
T.V. and magazines– you will find evidence of death and the darkness of sin.
War, the assault on Christian values, crime in our streets, death, diseases
running rampant, and families under attack all point to the need for a message
of hope. Reflect for a moment on your life. When have you experienced this
darkness in your life?
While we are surrounded and threaten by the
evil in this world, we, through faith, live in the Light of the World—Jesus
Christ. He conquered sin, death, and the power of the devil through His death on
the cross and proclaimed victory for us over darkness when He rose from the
dead. Phillipp Nicolai indicated in his notation that Psalm 45 served as his
inspiration for this hymn. Psalm 45 is a Messianic Psalm, speaking of the
relationship of Jesus Christ to His people.
This hymn also makes reference to thoughts
expressed in Revelation 22: 12-16. Note the reference to "Our
Morning Star" in the first stanza. Reminding us that Christ is our Light.
He has been the Light since before time and is our Light now and to eternity.
O Morning Star, how fair and
bright!
You shine with God's own truth and light,
Aglow with grace and mercy!
Of Jacob's race, King David's son,
Our Lord and master, you have won
Our hearts to serve you only!
Lowly, holy!
Great and glorious,
All victorious,
Rich in blessing!
Rule and might o'er all possessing!
Note relationship that is pictured in this verse. The Church is the bride and Christ is the Bridegroom. See what Ephesians 5: 22-33 has to say for us.
Come, heav'nly bridegroom, light divine,
And deep within our hearts now shine;
There light a flame undying!
In your one body let us be
As living branches of a tree,
Your life our lives supplying.
Now, though daily
Earth's deep sadness
May perplex us
And distress us,
Yet with heav'nly joy you bless us.
Lord, when you look on us in love,
At once there falls from God above
A ray of purest pleasure.
Your Word and Spirit, flesh and blood,
Refresh our souls with heav'nly food.
You are our dearest treasure!
Let your mercy
Warm and cheer us!
Oh, draw near us!
For you teach us
God's own love through you has reached us.
Almighty Father, in your Son
You loved us when not yet begun
Was this old earth's foundation!
Your Son has ransomed us in love
To live in him here and above:
This is your great salvation.
Alleluia!
Christ the living,
To us giving
Life forever,
Keeps us yours and fails us never!
Revelation 22:13-14 reminds us that those who have been washed have a right to the tree a life and may enter into the Holy City. We have a certain hope and joy knowing that Christ has prepared a place in heaven for those who believe in Him as their Savior. He has known us since before time. He is the Alpha and the Omega.
What joy to know, when life is past,
The Lord we love is first and last,
The end and the beginning!
He will one day, oh, glorious grace,
Transport us to that happy place
Beyond all tears and sinning!
Amen! Amen!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Crown of gladness!
We are yearning
For the day of your returning.
Oh, let the harps break forth in sound!
Our joy be all with music crowned,
Our voices gaily blending!
For Christ goes with us all the way--
Today, tomorrow, ev'ry day!
His love is never ending!
Sing out! Ring out!
Jubilation!
Exultation!
Tell the story!
Great is he, the King of glory! .
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