Life

Lutherans, Methodists join in 'Festival of Hymns' concert

By From staff reports, Published: April 28, 2012

To celebrate the rich heritage of Christian song and Mother’s Day, the combined 90-voice adult choirs of Grace Lutheran and First United Methodist churches will join to present a Festival of Hymns to the community at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 13, in Grace Lutheran Church. In addition to piano and organ accompaniments, the concert will include handbell choirs from both churches and the Methodist Church brass ensemble with timpani.

"A Festival of Hymns: the Writers Tell Their Stories," arranged by Hal H. Hopson, is a unique festival service that features significant hymn writers through the ages, from the fourth century through the 20th century, telling their own stories. This is a production born of the church and written for the church, and is intended to enhance the understanding of hymns by all generations, including children. The service will feature well-loved hymns including "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing," and "Now Thank We All Our God," to mention a few, in glorious festival settings for choir and congregation accompanied by brass, hand-bells, percussion, organ and piano.

The choirs will be directed by Judy Meinzer, director of music at First United Methodist Church and Burton Bumgarner, director of music at Grace Lutheran Church, and Michael Brannon, associate director of Music at First United Methodist Church will accompany on the organ and piano.

This free program is open to the public. Grace Lutheran Church is at the corner of Sixth Avenue West and Blythe Street in Hendersonville. For further information, call Grace Lutheran at 828-693-4890 or First United Methodist at 828-693-4275.