One of the nice things about summer's somewhat slower pace is the opportunity we have to reflect upon the accomplishments of the past "work year" and to develop new goals for the season ahead. I've spent quite a bit of time this summer in prayerful consideration of the music program here at First Church, and I've come up with one inescapable conclusion: The success of the music program this coming season is up to you.

The digital piano is up and running in the choir room. A television and VCR have been donated to the music program so that we can videotape and critique our musical offerings. The handbells are scheduled to be delivered sometime in September. We have been truly blessed with many of the things we need to have an outstanding music program. But this has all happened so fast that the only people involved in the music program right now are Shirley, the Senior Choir, and me. None of these wonderful gifts will mean anything without people to use them.

Cherub Choir-Under the direction of Karen Bacchi & Carol Rabs rehearses on Sunday mornings from 10-10:25 in Room 401. Children age 3 years to 3rd Grade are welcome. The Cherub Choir sings once a month during the 10:30 Worship Service.

The Handbell Choir was established after a generous donation by the Rice family. When the bells arrived in the fall of 2002, we immediately solicited the church membership for any interest in playing the handbells. We had a sufficient response to begin rehearsals. Most of our ringers had little handbell experience, and some don't read music. They have since learned some basic musical knowledge and have performed several times during worship. We have played on Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday and Easter. As our talent increases and our practice time decreases, we will be performing much more often. We practice on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. and are always looking for new ringers. If you are interested, please contact Douglas Bacchi (Handbell Director) at (978) 475-0901 or stop by during a rehearsal to see if you might be interested in joining us.