
Make a joyful noise to the Lord.
Music Ministries
Music is a vital expression of praise and prayer to God, and therefore an integral component of our worship. Whether you choose to join our Music Ministry Team, sing or ring with one of our choirs, or prefer to listen from the congregation, each week we offer music that is diverse and designed to inspire, from classical music to jazz, from contemporary Christian songs to traditional hymns and anthems, accompanied by organ and/or our Steinway piano. We also enjoy and encourage music played by instrumentalists within our congregation, as well as music played by professionals on special occasions and from time to time in weekly worship.
Our choirs
Each of our choirs is comprised solely of volunteers, and there are no auditions. All that is required is a willing heart and a desire to make music to the glory of God. Our choirs are open to you whether you read music or not, whether you last sang or played in high school thirty years ago, or have never joined a choir or band but long to experience the fellowship and exhilaration of being in a musical ensemble. There is a place for you in the Music Ministry at UCC Norwell.
Contact Lindsay Albert for more information or to join.
Get to know our Music Ministry
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Sanctuary Choir
More than merely a musical group, the Sanctuary Choir is perhaps the most enduring ministry team in the church, sharing common bonds of friendship, fun, and love of singing while uniting in the call to praise and pray to God through music. Open to high school youth and older. No prior experience or formal music training is necessary.
The Sanctuary Choir sings during most Sunday worship services + at seasonal concerts.
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Celestial Ringers
A dedicated group of handbell ringers who love to make music together. We explore four octave repertoire. Open to middle school and older musicians who are comfortable reading basic musical notations and rhythms (even if you are rusty!) or are open to learning.
The Celestial Ringers play periodically during Sunday worship services + at seasonal concerts.
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Rockin' Ringers
This intergenerational ensemble introduces young musicians to the art of handbell ringing in a supportive environment. Open to youth in 3rd grade and up. Experienced adults play alongside the youth, and several parent–child pairs enjoy making music together each week.
Rockin' Ringers play periodically during Sunday worship services + at seasonal concerts.
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Cherub Chimes
Designed to teach our youngest musicians (Grades K-3) the basics of reading music while using our Malmark chimes, it is hoped that these children will go on to play with the Rockin’ Ringers and eventually graduate to the Celestial Ringers. Like all other choirs, the Cherubs participate in Music Appreciation Sunday and the annual Christmas Celebration Concerts, and occasionally play during worship.
Additional music opportunities
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Musical Meditations for Advent + Lent
Each Wednesday during Advent and Lent, the United Church of Christ in Norwell will be open for a time of musical meditation. In a program featuring seasonal music for piano, Minister of Music Lindsay Albert will provide thirty minutes of music to refresh the spirit and revive the soul. Programs are free and open to the public and also available for viewing on Vimeo.
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Veterans Concert + Reflections
A special afternoon celebration featured the talented choirs of UCC Norwell, who performed a moving concert of patriotic music brought our community together to honor our veterans. The event also included powerful readings and a poignant video compilation of veteran interviews. This heartfelt tribute resonated with all who attended, from young to old, veteran and civilian alike. The performance, featuring a diverse range of instruments including handbells, trumpet, drums, and piano, was interspersed with personal stories and reflections from veterans and their families. NSTV was there and created a special piece about the performance including exclusive interviews.
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The Memory Lane Singers
Created and organized by UCC Norwell member Kay Spurr, the volunteer members of the Memory Lane Singers visit local nursing homes, delighting residents with their hymns, seasonal favorites and “oldies but goodies!” There are no rehearsals and no singing experience is necessary. Singers are encouraged to participate when their schedules allow. Singing is good for your soul! Bring a friend! Listen to a recent feature here, and check out the 25/26 performance schedule below.
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Summer "Pick-up Choir"
During the summer, our Sanctuary Choir takes a break, and various instrumentalists, soloists, and small groups take their place. In addition, we have “Pick-up Choir” when anyone is welcome to come to rehearsal prior to worship. No prior choir experience is necessary; the music is accessible and the choir is “user-friendly.”
Christmas Celebration Concerts
The UCC Norwell Annual Christmas Celebration Concerts are a wonderful tradition enjoyed by the entire community. Joined by instrumentalists on trumpet, string bass, piano, and organ, concerts featured all the church’s ensembles including our children’s chime choir, youth handbell choir, the Celestial Ringers, and our adult concert choir.