Music is an important part of the ministry here at United Christian Church.  The hymns for each Sunday are chosen to support the scripture readings and sermon theme, and to enhance worship.  Some folks respond to the written word, and others get the message through the melody.  We enjoy the old-time hymns as well as more contemporary songs, and we sing them all with great joy and strong conviction.   

The Joyful Noise ensemble plays for our services along with a number of guest organists.  We have a collection of adult and student organists who play for services whenever they can.  The clarinet of Don Heald, and Mary Schulien's flute are mainstays of Joyful Noise, which is joined by guest musicians whenever possible.    An important part of our musical philosophy is to support and nurture the talents of the young people in our community.  We enjoy watching our student musicians grow as they contribute to our services.   Peter Walker is our alternate organist; Logan Sampson on violin, and Brennan Callen on clarinet or saxophone fill out the ranks of Joyful Noise whenever they can.   Brennan and Peter occasionally join the Wing and a Prayer Choir.                                   Brennan Callen

Some of these musicians return to us now and then from college and from their careers, especially to join us for the Christmas Eve candlelight service.  Last Christmas Eve, we welcomed back harpsichordist and organist John McKean from his studies in Freiberg, Germany, and vocalist Birgitta Polson from Bowdoin College on this and other occasions.   John played with us as our regular organist during his high school years and it is with great delight that we follow his career.

Guest musicians often play on second Sundays, and there is special music at every service throughout Advent.  If you would like to play at one of our services, please contact Mary Schulien.  The church also sponsors free concerts of music and poetry for the community during the year.     

Photographs by Jean-Pierre Fecteau and Mary Schulien