Ministry of Music
At Peace Church, there is something for everyone where the music is concerned. As a congregation filled with people from diverse faith traditions (or none at all), the music selection is eclectic and surprising, with a broad range of genres that speaks to differing worship preferences and challenges conventional ideas of what kinds of songs can be considered sacred.
The philosophy of the ministry of music is simple: inclusion and serendipity. Musicians and members of the congregation all bring something unique of themselves to worship. When these gifts are recognized, welcomed, and cultivated, the pieces come together to create a holy moment for all.
Music Groups at Peace
Peace is a great place to be involved in the music program. The musical selections vary greatly week to week. Our styles range from traditional hymns and choir anthems, to folk, jazz, gospel, and classical. There is a line from one of our favorite songs, "These Footsteps", written by our own Steve Horner, "offer up your best gift, pass it all around". That embodies much of the music culture here. Any style and all abilities have a place at Peace.
Our choir sings an anthem at every 10:30am service. This is led by our Music Director, Jim Pospisil, with pianist and composer, Wendy Durrwachter. Styles range from new commissions to traditional classical anthems. Anyone interested in singing with choir is encouraged to give us a try at 6:15pm on Wednesday evenings in the Sanctuary.
If you would like to provide special music for the 8:30am or 10:30am service, Jim can help cultivate a space to provide music, from small groups, solo singing, and instrumental works. Please contact Jim to find what are some options to share your gifts.
Hymnals and Songbooks
Peace Church uses the New Century Hymnal, which uses expansive and inclusive language. Singing old, familiar hymns with new words can be both fun and challenging, and creates an important conversation around how all people can be included in the image of God. More about inclusive and expansive language in the UCC »
Peace Church also uses a Praise Book that includes songs that aren’t in the hymnal. This book is always changing as new songs and prayers are being added. Some songs are originals composed by church members or friends, popular songs that have become important to the culture of Peace Church, and a number of reimagined versions of the Lord’s prayer.
For more information, please contact Peace’s Music Director, Jim Pospisil.