Music Ministry
Crawford has historically enjoyed a vibrant Music Program with a Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and frequent guest musicians. Our music director, James Gutierrez leads our Chancel Choir, while our very talented organist, Helena Veranian accompanies them on piano. Our handbell choir is lead by Crawford member, Randie Black-Schaffer. See videos of some of our choirs’ performances on our YouTube channel, HERE. All are welcome and encouraged to join either of our choirs. Questions? Contact either director by leaving a message for them in the church office (office@crawfordumc.org or 781-729-5056).
Chancel Choir
Rehearsals on Thursdays @ 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary
The Chancel Choir is Crawford’s most active music group. Composed of professional and amateur singers, this group blesses Crawford each and every week with their music ministry. Those who are 16+ are encouraged to join us. The group sings everything from classical to gospel and contemporary. If you believe that the spirit is calling you to sing, we invite you to attend any Thursday rehearsal so you can see if you like it before you officially join.
While it’s helpful if you have experience reading music, this isn’t an requirement. If you enjoy singing and are interested in joining the choir, don’t hesitate to reach out to our music director, James Gutierrez.
Handbell Choir
Crawford’s Handbell and chimes Choir plays familiar hymns and new compositions at Sunday church services, alone and in concert with the choir or piano. Rehearsals are after church on Sundays, with run throughs before church on days we ring. The ability to read treble and bass clefs and to count in time is helpful. Please contact Randie Black-Schaffer, Director if you might be interested in playing with us.”
Special Ensembles and Other Opportunities
If you play an instrument, our organist is available to arrange special ensembles, or we also welcome solo musical offerings from time to time during the service. We encourage our community to use their gifts in the service of others. Members and friends are welcome to accompany the choir and our organist at our 10:00 am service, and we often bring in professional musicians for Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions. Please contact our Music Director, James Gutierrez if you’d like more information or to volunteer your services.
Music Meditations
All Glory, Laud and Honor
The treasured hymn All Glory, Laud and Honor was first written in the year 820 by Theodulf of Orléans while in captivity, who had been Bishop of Orléans during the reign of Charlemagne. Following a power struggle after Charlemagne's death, Theodulf had been imprisoned...
Be Thou My Vision
The text of the most famous Celtic hymn is so ancient that its authorship can not be claimed for certain. Be Thou My Vision, or Bi Thus a Mo Shúile in the modern Irish, is traditionally attributed to the 8th-century Irish poet, Saint Dallán Forgaill. No matter its...
God So Loved the World
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus...So begins the third chapter of John's gospel, the chapter from which the most famous piece of scripture unfolds. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son," Jesus reveals to Nicodemus. In 1725,...