Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a life-long adventure, discovering the nature of God, and exploring what it means to be rooted in relationship with their creator, a safe place in life’s storms.
Messenger Schedule for 2026
Join the Community of Musicians at FUMC
You see this at the beginning of every semester – we really mean it! You do not have to be a perfect musician. Calling ALL musicians! Opera singers, shower singers, happy birthday singers, bell ringers, ding-a-lings and musicians in training! All humans from 3 years to 110 years are invited to give music @ FUMC a try.
Rehearsals for FUMC musical ensembles resume their regular schedules soon. All interested musicians (and wanna-be musicians!) are welcome to join. Invite your friends. If you miss the first rehearsal, come to another! Contact Barbara Zachow for more information at 217‑356‑9078 or bzachow@comcast.net.
First Regular Rehearsal:
· Chancel Choir – Wednesday, January 21, 7:00 – 8:15 pm - Choir Room
o Youth and adults of any age
o Provide choral music in a variety of styles for worship services
· Perceptions Praise Team - Thursday, January 22, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Sanctuary
o Youth and adults of any age
o Keyboard, guitar, drum set, vocalists, other instruments
· Chancel Ringers – Tuesday, January 13, 6:00 – 7:00 pm - Bell Tables
o Youth and Adults of any age
o Intermediate or Advanced handbell experience
o Provide music in a variety of styles for periodic worship services
· Angel Choir - Sunday, January 4, 4:00 – 5:00 pm - Room J
o 3 years old through 5th graders
o Singing, tone chimes, beginning bells, Orff and rhythm instruments, foundational music reading skills
· Youth Music – Sunday, January 18, 5:00 – 6:00 pm - Choir Room
o 6th through 12th graders
o Singing, intermediate bells, instruments, other artistic talents
· FUMC also hosts Choral Union – Monday, January 26, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Choir Room
o Adults with willingness to sing in and contribute to the community chorus, the ability to match pitch, and the ability to produce a pleasing vocal sound
o Give periodic concerts throughout the community
A Service of Remembrance and Celebration - Grant C. Morenz
Here is the link to the recorded Service:
Dropbox
Minds in Motion - Winter/Spring 2026
Advent Organ Recital - December 17
Part-Time Organist
PART-TIME ORGANIST
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CHAMPAIGN
210 W Church Street, Champaign, IL 61820
ABOUT US
https://www.champaignfumc.org/
First United Methodist Church of Champaign is located downtown and serves the university community of Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities. The congregation has a rich history of music ministry. The program is constantly evolving to utilize the talents of current musicians and to meet the needs of the worshiping community.
The sanctuary holds a 1965 three manual Cassavant Pipe Organ with electric action, a Kawai Grand Piano, Roland FP-4 keyboard, five octaves of Schlumerich handbells and four octaves of chimes. Additionally, a small chapel organ, three additional grand pianos, a set of three timpani, two drum sets and other miscellaneous instruments are available in the building. Over five thousand titles of keyboard solos and ensembles are catalogued and housed in the church’s music library.
REQUIREMENTS
· A person of Christian faith
· High degree of competence on organ, piano, and keyboard
· Accompanying experience
· Willingness to rehearse sufficiently to maintain a high quality of music
· Sensitivity and ability to communicate in a friendly and professional manner with church staff, church members, members of the public, and other persons present in the church building
· Ability to sight-read and improvise is desired
POSITION TYPE AND HOURS
· Organist is a salaried employee
· Salary based on candidate’s education, experience, and skill level
· Organist expected to work an average of 20 hours per week
· Schedule is arranged according to program needs in consultation with the Directing Pastor and Director of Music and Worship
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Prepare and play hymns, songs, and anthem accompaniments during weekly and seasonal worship services
· Accompany Chancel Choir during weekly rehearsals
· Rehearse with and accompany other ensembles and soloists as needed for worship services
· Play for Major Music Sundays (generally one each semester)
· Play for weddings and funerals. If unavailable, organist shall find a substitute.
· Play and/or support the organization of recitals
· Assist in maintaining music library for organ and keyboard instruments
HOW TO APPLY
Review of applications begins October 28, 2024, on a rolling basis. Finalists will be invited to audition/interview on site. Submit the following to:
llcurtis@illinois.eduLetter of Application
CV/Resume
Sample recordings of two pieces appropriate for prelude/postlude, two hymns, and a short improvisation on a hymn
Names and contact information (emails/phone numbers) for three professional references
NOTE
· Persons interested in sharing this position will also be considered
TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT
Laura Curtis, Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Chair
llcurtis@illinois.edu
2403 Waterbury Place
Champaign, IL 61822
(217) 778-2114
