Chancel Choir

DGFUMC is hosting international choral celebrity, Alice Parker, the woman who shaped the face of choral music in America, and who will lead the congregation in discovering the beauty in hymn singing on Sunday, November 6 at our 11:00 a.m. worship service. She will build the musicality of each and every person present; and this service is one you will remember for years to come. At 90 years old, Mrs. Parker is making her victory lap, and this trip to the Midwest is to be one of her last out of her home state of Massachusetts.

Join us as we learn from this internationally renowned composer, conductor and teacher, as she leads the congregation in a Community Sing Service featuring beloved hymns both old and new. 

Please invite your friends and neighbors to a special morning of singing.

All Are Welcome!

Alice Parker is a living musical legend whose work teaching congregations to sing and music directors to arrange and interpret has inspired thousands around the world. Alice’s arrangements and recordings with the Robert Shaw Chorale served to popularize choral music in our country. The program will feature ensembles and choir, and congregational singing.

Please come and begin your Advent season by listening to and joining the choir in singing favorite Christmas carols.

Sunday, December 14
9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services

The Chancel Choir will present an unusual and enticing piece entitled STELLA NATALIS by British composer Karl Jenkins, on Sunday, December 14 at the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services. The 12 parts of Stella Natalis (“star of birth”) celebrate different aspects of Christmastide - winter, the sleeping child, tidings of peace, thanksgiving - with wide ranging texts which take the listener on surprising journeys to childhood, seasons past, and anticipation of Christmas times to come. Jenkins, one of the most prolific, popular and performed composers in the world today, uses musical ideas and texts which suggest a "Star Wars" world turned toward the spiritual.

The cantata includes Downers Grove First United Methodist Church's fine Chancel Choir under the direction of Diane Hires and accompanied by Pattie Barnes. The orchestra features virtuoso trumpet (Tom Tait), string orchestra and two percussionists.

Please plan to attend one of these inspiring services with family and friends to celebrate joys of the Christmas season together.