Celtic worship service to be held at First United Church of Christ March 14

  • March 12, 2010
  • 549
                        
The First United Church of Christ, located at the corner of Fair Avenue and Second Street NW in New Philadelphia, is continuing its tradition of honoring Saint Patrick through music and scriptures with its ninth annual Celtic worship service on Sunday, March 14. Anissa Bacon, recently installed pastor of Sugarcreek First United Church of Christ, will speak on Celtic Christianity today on the Island of Iona, where she lived, worked and studied for six months. Rev. Bacon holds a degree in music education from the University of Southern Maine; a Master of Arts in sacred music from Bangor Theological Seminary; and a Master of Divinity from Boston University. Despite its tiny size (barely three miles long and one mile wide) Iona was hugely influential in the establishment of Christianity in Scotland, England and throughout mainland Europe. Located in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland, its place in history was assured in 563 AD when St. Columba arrived with 12 followers, built his first Celtic church and established a monastic community. After settling in, the Irish monk set about converting most of pagan Scotland and northern England to Christianity. Iona’s fame as a missionary center and place of learning eventually spread throughout Europe, and it became a sacred isle where 48 kings of Scotland, six of Ireland and four of Norway are buried. Pastors Jeffrey Gerber and Jill Lovett will conduct the traditional elements of the worship service. As always, Celtic music will play an important role in the service. Special music will feature Larry Herrick, a bagpiper from Mogadore; harpist Sara Fouts of Port Washington; church Cantor Stephanie Levengood as vocalist and members Amber Pottmeyer on flute and Jack Pottmeyer on Irish whistle, all of New Philadelphia. Rick Michel, of Dover, the church organist/pianist and chancel choir director, has coordinated the music portions of the service. He will direct and accompany the choir in On The Journey, an anthem by contemporary Irish priest/composer Liam Lawton. Michel and Herrick also will play an organ/bagpipe duet, Highland Cathedral. Pre-service music begins at 9:40 and the service will start at 10 a.m. and last approximately one hour. An Irish dinner will be available afterward in the church social hall for $6 for adults and a children’s menu for $2. As part of its community outreach ministry, First UCC is glad to provide the public with an opportunity to hear genuine Irish music and to celebrate St. Patrick’s birthday in a handicapped-accessible facility. For further information, contact the church at 330-339-6412. Casual dress is appropriate; wearing ‘o the green is optional.


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