Worship and the Arts

Invitation to Join Intergenerational Choir for April 28

Our choir directors, Brian and Stephanie, are putting together an intergenerational choir to share a ministry of music during worship on April 28. This is another awesome opportunity for entire families to serve together and for folks who can’t make a longer-term commitment to a choir to sing with others who love praising God through music! All that is required is the ability to read lyrics (words), a willingness to try something new, and the desire to praise God with the voice that you have been given. Children (pre-K and up) and youth have already learned a lot about the song, and it is very popular! Details about possible rehearsal times will follow, but first, a little about our song, Yesu Kwetu ni Rafiki, by Mark Burrows.

In 2009, composer Mark Burrows started a music academy for children in Kenya. After finding out that What a Friend We Have in Jesus was a popular hymn in Kenya, Mark decided to arrange a version using both English and Swahili. Western and African cultures unite in this piece and enhance each other greatly. As Mr. Mark says, “Every time you sing it, know that sixty smiling children in Kenya are singing with you.”

To get a little practice with the six Swahili words in the song (much easier than you might guess) and see how the two songs fit together, we ask adults to attend two rehearsals, if possible. There are several options, so hopefully, everyone can find a time that works for them. Adults may attend any of the following rehearsals. Please note that there has been one schedule change since the last newsletter, so double-check that your preferred date is still listed.

  • Wednesday, April 10, 6:30-7:00 in the church music room. (with the sanctuary choir)

  • Wednesday, April 17, 6:30-7:00 in the church music room. (with the sanctuary choir)

Brian wants you to know that you can stay for the entire rehearsal.

  • Sunday, April 7, 11:10-11:45 in rooms 18 & 19. (with the Joyful Noise)

  • Sunday, April 14, 11:10-11:45 in rooms 18 & 19. (with the Joyful Noise)

  • Sunday, April 14, 1-1:30 in rooms 18 & 19. (with Youth Music and the Arts)

  • Dress Rehearsal for Everyone: Sunday, April 21, 11:10-12:00 in the sanctuary.

Please let Stephanie smmiller@kentmethodist.com know if you plan to participate so they can inform you of any unexpected changes to the schedule. Stephanie will be conducting the intergenerational choir this time around.

Copies of the song are available to borrow from Brian or Stephanie. The following link will take you to an audio preview of the song. Just click on the play symbol. Our rendition of the song will be a little less formal, but this is an excellent recording for learning and practicing: choristersguild.org/store/cga1234-yesu-kwetu-ni-rafiki-what-a-friend-1/3655/.

  • Arrival on April 28 will be at 9:15 in the music room.

Help our young people rejoice through this foundational hymn of our faith, and they’ll help you with the Swahili. Let us praise God together through song!

"When you sing, you pray twice." - commonly attributed to St. Augustine.

Music and other art forms are an important part of the tradition at Kent UMC, and we believe are essential to the worship experience. We encourage new participants in all of our ministries. If any of these are of interest to you, please contact the person listed or call Terry Bolender, Director of Adult Discipleship, at 253-852-3900.

Janice Moen’s Anthem, I Shall Not Want, Selected As Editor’s Choice!

Janice Moen’s composition, I Shall Not Want, arranged for choir by Joel Raney to honor Janice’s 40 years of serving as organist for our church, has been selected by J. W. Pepper as an Editor’s Choice for their 2023-24 catalog.

Brian Kohler initiated commissioning Janice’s piece, and many congregation members contributed to the arrangement cost. Feel free to visit the J. W. Pepper website to hear a recording of Janice’s song. You can use the number 11514347 to search for it.

Congratulations Janice!

  • Our Mitchell Carillon Handbell Choir rehearses at the church on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm and performs periodically for worship services. If you are interested, please contact the church office at general@kentmethodist.com

  • The organ is an integral part of worship at KUMC. This 14-rank Wick’s Pipe Organ was installed in 1971. The instrument is used for leading hymns as well as solos and accompaniments.

  • The Sanctuary Choir rehearses Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in our Music Room. The choir participates in worship every Sunday from September through June. The choir also sings at various events and services throughout the year.

    Our Sanctuary Choir is under the direction of Brian Kohler. Brian is a pastoral artist with a Master’s in Church Music / Church Music Drama. He has directed church choirs in Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Washington.

    If you are interested, please get in touch with the church office at general@kentmethodist.com.

  • If you play an instrument or sing and would like to participate in worship services as part of a Worship Team or ensemble or as a soloist, we would love to hear from you. Contact Terry Bolender, Director of Adult Discipleship, at (253) 852-3900 or tbolender@kentmethodist.com.

  • Our Worship Team leads us in music during worship. They will continue introducing modern worship and praise songs, and then, once allowed, the entire congregation will be invited to sing along.

    A number of “rotating” musicians are helping get us off the ground, and we welcome instrumentalists and vocalists who have the interest and passion for being involved in this kind of music. If you want to join us, contact Terry Bolender (tbolender@kentmethodist.com).