A special worship service celebrating the ministry of music will take place Sunday, June 10, at the Second Congregational Church, UCC, in Newcastle. This annual service will include music from the Tower Ringers, a four-octave handbell choir of 11 ringers, and the Chancel Choir, a 22-voice choral group.

The Tower Ringers will play four selections featuring a variety of techniques using handchimes, mallets, martellato (striking the bell on the table pad), and singing bells (using a stick against a bell to set up a vibration). They will play “Dance Capriccio” by Derek Hakes, and “Exuberant Joy” by Arnold Sherman as a prelude to the service. Bell music will begin at 9:50 a.m. The bells will also join with the Chancel Choir and organ in a combined anthem, beginning the service.

The Chancel Choir will sing a setting of verses from Psalm 139, “Wings of the Morning” by John Rutter. They will also sing a commissioned anthem composed by Newcastle resident, Richard Francis. This piece was premiered on May 13, 2018, and was dedicated to Jane Wilmot, Minister of Music. Other elements of the service will be sung by the choir and accompanied by organ and bells. There will be several opportunities for the congregation to join in singing festival hymns and responses.

As always, the community is invited and welcome to this special service.