Music
Music plays an integral role in the life and worship of our church. Central to our philosophy of music is the concept of congregational participation. Whether it takes the form of singing an anthem in one of our choirs, playing an instrument, or singing a hymn from the pew, it is our goal to incorporate every member of this worshipping community into the musical life of the parish.
Immanuel has a strong tradition of choral and instrumental music. Our current programming includes:
Immanuel Singers
Grade 7- Adults
Open to all levels of vocal musicians, the Immanuel Singers serve as the primary form of musical leadership and expression in our worship services. The singers prepare anthems which vary in style and difficulty, as well as prepares special music for festival Sundays (All Saint’s, Christmas, Easter). Members and Friends of Immanuel are encouraged to participate for the whole season, but are also welcome to join the choir for specific Sundays or special occasions.
Immanu- BELLS!
Contact Us for Updates!
Open to all levels of musicians, we build group technique and comradery through weekly rehearsals of varied handbell anthems and exercises.
Children/Youth
Contact Us for Updates!
[Website updates in progress]
Instrumentalists and Soloists
Reach Out!
If you play an instrument or if you are interested in offering special music either as a soloist or with a group during worship, please contact Stephen Longenecker at music@immanuel-ucc.org
Mr. Stephen Longenecker | Minister of Music
A life-long musician, Stephen Longenecker, Jr. is a Berks County-native who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal performance from University of Richmond. Stephen enjoys an active artistic lifestyle; he is an avid performer, arranger, director and board member for several local non-profit organizations. Stephen has a passion for a variety of musical styles and genres, which along with over fifteen years of church leadership experience, manifests in a myriad of diverse musical offerings and opportunities at Immanuel. From Broadway to Bluegrass, Mozart to Matt Maher, and everything in-between, every type of music or a level of musicianship can be tuned for praise!
Stephen is a proud husband and father who enjoys cooking, skiing, musical theatre and the Marvel Universe. “I feel truly humbled and blessed by the call to serve at Immanuel. At a time when so much of the world seems to be focused on differences and division, I believe that church music has the power to unite and align us with a desire to create something beautiful for the greater good. I pray that whatever musical gifts I bring to Immanuel will be used for the purpose of enriching the fabric of this congregation and community by bringing together people from all different musical backgrounds and experiences.”
You can CLICK HERE to reach Stephen via e-mail.