Lent 2014: Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind

Join us for Lenten Musical Wednesdays:

On Wednesdays during Lent, all are invited to enjoy supper together from 5:15 - 6:15 p.m., followed by inspiring musical programs starting at 6:15 p.m.  Please RSVP when attending the dinner.

March 12: KAT Trio

The KAT Trio, a violin-clarinet-piano ensemble from Ekaterinburg, Russia, was formed in 1998 by three friends who had just graduated from the Ural State Music Conservatory. Today "The KAT Trio" is Victoria Gorbich (violin), Vladislav Gorbich (clarinet) and pianist Justin Snyder. KAT Trio concerts showcase unique Russian arrangements and transpositions of timeless melodies and feature classical works, well-known inspirational songs, and even American pop standards, including Scott Joplin's rags.

March 19: Hammered Dulcimer Trio

Get ready to enjoy a toe-tapping evening, as local musicians Becky Covi, Jean Van Erem and Mary Hemminger share a variety of dulcimer music. The trio's song list will include folk songs, ballads and favorite hymns. Both hammered and mountain dulcimers will be featured, which are handcrafted stringed instruments with long traditions. Becky and Mary are members of our church and together with Jean, have been playing hammered dulcimer as a trio for the past year.

March 26: Sanctuary Choir

This evening's concert will feature our First Church Sanctuary Choir, along with solos and smaller ensembles of choir members, Dr. John Plier directing.

April 2: Organ Trumpet Recital

Join us for this celebration of organ music, featuring Jeffrey Verkuilen.  Jeffrey Verkuilen is Liturgical Music Director and Organist at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Green Bay.  In addition, Mike Bradley of our congregation will share fascinating historical information about our organ, including photographs and details about the installation of our festival trumpets, made possible by the generosity of the Baer family.

April 9: Handbell Choir

Our handbells are 50 years old, and it's time to show everyone what they really can do! Join us for an evening of sharing a little bit of history, good fellowship, and great music. Denise Myers is directing. 

April 16: JAM Praise Band

The Lenten musical series will conclude with a JAM concert in Fellowship Hall, including dessert and coffee, JAM (Jesus and Me) was founded in 2003 and has provided contemporary praise music for our Fresh Bread worship services for 10 years. In addition, they have had an opportunity to lead worship in several other settings, including at the Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2009. Under the direction of Donna Wilkinson, JAM will share some of our favorite songs as well as introduce new songs and highlight several soloists.

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DATES TO KEEP IN MIND

• March 11 -- Ladies' Lenten Brunch, 11:30 a.m.
• March 12 -- Lenten Wednesdays special music concerts begin (6 weeks), 6:15 p.m.
• March 13 -- Active Seniors Lunch and Program, 12:00 p.m.
• March 14 -- Youth Ski Trip to Pine Mountain Resort, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• April 4 -- deadline for submissions for the next Spirit Alive (Send e-mails to spiritalive@fumcgb.org)
• April 17 -- Last Supper Drama, 7:00 p.m.
• April 18 -- Good Friday Service, 12:15 p.m.
• April 19 -- Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt, 10:30 a.m.
• April 20 -- Easter Sunday Services, 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
• April 21 -- Church/Office closed
• May 18 -- Heritage Sunday
• May 26 -- Memorial Day, Church/Office closed
• June 23-26 -- Vacation Bible School