Each Wednesday night from 6 to 6:30 p.m., kids from age 4 through 4th grade get skilled instruction in singing and instruments. Lessons focus on note-reading, rhythms, and how to sing in multiple parts. Each year, children showcase what they’ve learned in a Christmas concert, as well as occasionally singing during the Sunday morning worship service throughout the year. According to leader Dimitri German, “We want to get them excited about singing and music!”

Children who gather in the upstairs Wor-SHIP room each Sunday at 10:45 a.m. (while their parents worship in the sanctuary) get Bible lessons and opportunities to play Orff instruments like percussion, autoharps, recorders, ukuleles and guitars to enhance their worship experience. Kids who play other musical instruments are welcome to bring them, too. Each session concludes with a benediction played on hand chimes. “Kids love the variety,” says instructor Linda Johnson. “It’s fun!” 

Directed by Linda Johnson, a band/music teacher for 35 years, the Bell Choir rehearses Thursday nights at 6:15 p.m. in the choir room. Participation, Linda says, requires two key skills: “You need to count to four, and know your alphabet up to G!” The choir performs several times each year during Sunday morning worship. A highlight, Linda says, is getting to work with a great group of people, and the beautiful instruments owned by the church. “The bells provide such a unique sound,” she says. “They’re very soothing and restful, and they add a wonderful variety to worship.”