Our Music

Our worship is "blended," which to us means it is both rooted in Presbyterian tradition and inclusive of contemporary and creative expressions of prayer and song.  Our preaching and teaching emphasizes God's abundant love for all people, exemplified in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Music is an essential component of our worship through anthems, hymns, and sung responses.

Christmas Cantata

Throughout the year we have special music events in worship or open to the community, such as a Jazz Pentecost Picnic, featuring the award-winning Autumn Underground; hosting the Krause Family Band during worship and afterwards for an outdoor picnic; hosting Snuffy Smith and his band for Country Music Sunday; our annual Christmas Cantata, which is quickly becoming a community favorite; and Sundays throughout the year where we introduce new worship music from around the world, or invite guest musicians, such as Field Stark, a well-known local talent who is also a daughter of the congregation.  We have also sponsored Cabaret evenings, featuring a night of our vocalists and friends performing Broadway and other favorites, served up with dessert.

Choir

Our choir is open to people of all ages and abilities, and sings a wide repertoire of music, including old-time favorites, gospel, contemporary, traditional, and global music.  Rehearsals are 7-8:30pm on Wednesdays, plus a warm-up at 9am on Sundays, September-May.  In summer, the choir sings monthly and meets to rehearse at 8:30am.  Childcare will be provided for those who would like it.

Music Team

Our organist/accompanist, Nancy Cox, is a gifted piano teacher with several students through local music schools and private instruction.   She also accompanies many area students and vocal groups throughout the year.  Nancy enjoys bringing both contemporary and traditional service music to the Sunday morning worship service.  When not playing, she manages the Midwest Book Review with husband Jim and daughter Bethany.

Christmas Cantata 2015

Our choir director, Tom Mielke, recently retired as the director of vocal music programs at Middleton High School.  He brings vast experience with all genres of worship music, and a creative vision for growing our music opportunities within the congregation as well as our community.  Prior to Middleton, Tom served as director of vocal music at Oregon High School.

Our accompanist, Sue Mielke, holds a degree in piano performance and has accompanied numerous ensembles, soloists, and programs in our area.  When not playing, Sue has served as a bookkeeper for several small businesses and non-profit institutions locally.

Our choral librarian, Chris Weigt, generously lends us her encyclopedic knowledge of choral repertoire and recommends selections each Sunday to match our Scripture and worship themes.  Chris is a retired and beloved English teacher to many folks in our local community.