On Sunday, June 14, the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle will celebrate the ministry of music. This annual event acknowledged in liturgy and song the gift of music in the act of worship. The service will begin at 9:45 a.m. with the “Largo” from Sonata 2 for Two Violas by Georg Telemann and played by Hannah McGhee and Hannah Miller. It will be followed by Fanfare and Adagio for Handbells played by the Handbell choir. The Handbell Choir will play again as it introduces the opening hymn with an extended improvisation on All Creatures of Our God, Now Sing, followed by the choir and congregation singing the hymn as a processional.

The Chancel Choir will also add additional anthems to the service: “Yet I Will Rejoice in the Lord” by James Biery, accompanied by violin, viola and organ; “Then Shall the Very Rocks Cry Out,” by Mark Hayes; and “How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place,” from Requiem by Johannes Brahms.

The congregation will participate with a special liturgy created by Dr. Sharon Fennema for the service of the celebration of music including several hymns and responses.

Choir members will be recognized in the worship bulletin. The Rev. Ken Dale will preach. Jane Wilmot will direct the choirs and end the service with an organ postlude Fantasy on “When in Our Music God Is Glorified,” by Searle Wright.