What better way to praise the Lord than with voice and instruments! At Simpson Church we are blessed with an active, vital and growing congregation. Worship is the time in which we join to celebrate and learn what it means to be part of the family of God. Our music ministry is central to the worshiping life of our congregation and is provided by vocal, instrumental, and handbell ensembles. Currently we have groups organized for persons age five through adult. You are invited to look though this brochure and find the appropriate ensembles in which you and your family members may become involved.  
 

Simpson Church is proud to have on staff Mr. James Zanker who serves as Director of Music. James accepted the full-time position after working as part-time music director of Simpson=s Contemporary Worship Service. Mr. Zanker is no stranger to the challenges of heading up a large, multi-faceted church music program having previously served for nine years as Director of Music in another 900-member church in Fort Wayne. James received his Bachelor in Music Degree in Choral Music from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. In addition, he studied trumpet at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. James has extensive experience in directing vocal, instrumental & handbell ensembles and has led many church music leadership seminars in the Northern Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Whether you are a long-time member of our church or a first-time visitor, James is eager to visit with you about the many artistic avenues available for you and your family at Simpson UMC.  

Rehearsals: Vocal Choir - Children, age 5 - grade 5. Tuesdays, 5:30pm Simpsons Childrens Vocal Choir is co-directed by James Zanker and Conie McCoy. This vibrant group of young singers present anthems about once every four weeks in Sunday morning worship, and their anthems often include accompaniment played on the churchs wide variety of ORFF instruments. Songs may also include some dancing around and other choreography! No matter what is on the menu, these kids really have a great time praising their Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Lil' Chimers - Children, grades 2 - 5. Tuesdays, 6:20pm Lil' Chimers is an ensemble of youngsters who enjoy ringing their praises to God! This exciting group plays the tone chimes rather than the larger, more difficult to handle handbells. Look for these kids to be presenting the special music in the Sunday morning services about once every six weeks. This ensemble is also co-directed by James Zanker and Conie McCoy. For more information concerning the Lil' Chimers, please contact James at the church office, 744-1169. 

"Carry the Light" Youth Players Youth, grades 6 - 12 Tuesdays, 7:15pm The "Carry the Light"Youth Players is a brand new group of versatile young performers. This unusual cast of characters will be presenting a variation of artistic endeavors including music (both vocal and instrumental), drama, comedy, and sacred dance; all designed to enhance the worship services of Simpson Church. This group will not have a single director, but rather will pull together a talented team of church volunteers who will lead the Youth Players in their field of expertise. As this is a new adventure for our church, if you like to be on the cutting edge of new experiences, you will want to get involved with "Carry the Light"Youth Players!  

Voices of Praise Thursdays, 7:00pm Voices of Praise rehearses weekly and sings regularly in the 9:00am Sunday service. This ensemble sings a wide variety of music including traditional, contemporary and gospel styles and is directed by James Zanker. Voices of Praise prepares a CHRISTMAS MUSICAL which is presented each December and participates in all of the special church year celebrations such as Christ-the-King Sunday, Christmas Eve Services, and Easter Sunday. This especially fun and vibrant group of singers include youth, grade nine, through senior citizen-age participants!  

Simpson Ringers Thursdays, 6:00pm Simpson Ringers rehearse weekly and present anthems in the Sunday AM service monthly. This ensemble plays four to five octave music and requires up to fourteen ringers. Anyone, grade 9 thru adult, is welcome to participate in this group, but the ability to read music is essential. Simpson Ringers is directed by James Zanker. 

Wind Ensemble Rehearsals TBA The Wind Ensemble is a new instrumental group which made their first appearance in the 1996 Palm Sunday services. If you play a band instrument and would enjoy participating in worship approximately three times per year, we need to hear from you. It is director James Zankers goal to have the Wind Ensemble participate at least once in the fall (Christ-the-King Sunday, last Sunday before Advent) and once in the spring (Palm Sunday). Break out that old dusty horn, blow out the cobwebs, toughen up that lip, and join us as we make a joyful noise unto the Lord! 

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