First Evangelical Free Church - Where the Difference is...The Relationship!
Ministries
Music

10.10.02

Dear music ministry friends,

Greetings! I hope you are doing well this fall season! Change has been my middle name the last few weeks as I've moved from Chicago to the Cities, taken on new responsibilities, and begun making new friends here at First Free Church. In one of my quiet times I was reading about how God would treat Israel after her exile and came across this passage: "Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones…" (Is. 60:17). I must admit that even with the upheaval of change, I sense the Lord has been trading my bronze for gold in coming to First Free. I want to say thank you for the kindness of so many of you in the past few weeks for making me feel welcome here.

We are excited that you are a part of our music/worship ministry at First Free! This church has a strong tradition of using music to glorify God. It was great to see a strong showing at the music dessert a couple weeks ago and to meet many of you. This letter is meant to inform you of the ways that God has been working at First Free and how certain changes will impact the music ministry. We hope that in the end these changes will also result in all of us finding gold at the end of their implementation.

The following decision was made in conjunction with Pastor Joel, Don Brueske and Wayne Danielson. The bottom line is that music rehearsals will now take place on Tuesday instead of Wednesday nights.

The story of the change goes as follows:

1) Eric's position with worship student ministries requires him to do only one thing a night (rehearsals or youth) to give adequate attention and preparation to either. This was understood when the church chose to call him.

2) When the proposal to the youth staff was made to change to Tuesdays, support was given by the adult staff; however, a significant number of students had prior commitments on Tuesdays. Also, many schools in Minnesota have arranged their activities around Wednesdays due to church activities. We would lose the ability to reach many athletes. This brought me to question whether the music ministry ought to move.

3) A survey of the vocalists at First Free found that while Wednesday was the night that most preferred, Tuesday night was a real option. (At least 18 vocalists could make it.)

4) Additionally, key rhythm section/band members could practice on Tuesday, but couldn't make Wednesday. This would allow for complete worship rehearsals

5) We have a possible choir director for Tuesday night that is not available Wednesday night.

To summarize the positives of the change, a move to Tuesday allows for:

  • A strong student ministry to be allowed the best night possible for the most students to have their needs met.
  • A significant number of the vocalists to rehearse on Tuesday nights
  • The band/rhythm section to rehearse along with vocalists
  • Other choir director options for that night.

Some questions that might arise:

What if we have children that need to be cared for that evening?

  • We are working to arrange for childcare on Tuesday night.

I have children in the midweek program. How can I save time now that I may need to be out two nights a week?

  • While most of our students cannot drive now, some will be able to drive in the near future. Carpooling is also a real possibility if parents can work together.

How can I serve musically if I am unable to make Tuesday nights?

  • Perhaps other ministries of the church may be able to benefit from your talents. (i.e. the children's ministry, an ABF/Sunday School class, the youth ministry, etc.) Feel free to call me (Eric) and we will try and work something out.

THE TIMES & DATES

Choir rehearsal will begin October 22nd, 7-8:00 PM. We will rehearse weekly until the final production Sunday, December 15th. Please arrive at rehearsal at 6:45 and be ready to sing at 7:00 PM.

Worship Ensemble rehearsal will change to Tuesdays, October 22nd and will go from 8:15-9:00 PM, meeting weekly. On the Sundays you sing, please arrive at 8:15 AM and be ready to sing at 8:30 AM.

Rhythm section/band rehearsal will begin October 22nd, 7-8:00 PM as well, if a choir director is found. Otherwise every other Saturdays will be used: Rhythm Section: October 26, November 9, November 23, December 7, December 21. On the Sundays you play, please arrive at 8:15 AM and be ready to play at 8:30 AM.

Extended orchestra (including clarinets, violins, flutes, etc…) will play the fourth Sundays of the month: October 27th, November 24th , and December 22nd. We will have music available for you the third Sunday for you to look at, placed under the front pew of the Sanctuary. You are welcome to rehearse with us at the Tuesday rehearsal (7-9:00 PM). If you can't make the rehearsal, please call Eric to let him know he should set up for you on Sunday. On the Sundays you play, please arrive at 8:15 AM and be ready to play at 8:30.

It is a great honor to have you as part of our ministry-which is both a ministry to others and to the Lord. If you have any questions regarding the proposed changes, feel free to contact me (Eric) at church (612) 827-4705 or at home (612) 910-1763. Thank you again for your partnership in exalting Jesus!

For His Kingdom,

 

Eric Twietmeyer with Don Brueske, Wayne Danielson, and Pastor Joel Sutton

 
This document last modified on Thursday, November 9, 2006  
A Thought From God's Word:
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign." [Revelation 11:15-17]