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:
Grade 6- Adults
Rehearsals Thursdays, 7:00-8:30PM
Description: 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.
Join Immanuel’s Handbell/Handchime Ensemble!
Directed by Tama McConnell and open to Grade 7-Adult; Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00PM and/or Sundays after worship. Plays in worship: ~ once a month Sept – May
Description: Open to all levels of musicians, we build group technique and comradery through weekly rehearsals of varied handbell anthems and exercises.
Send us an e-mail to get involved!
Tama McConnell and Cara Hart, along with Mr. Stephen and special guest lead weekly music enrichment classes and activities. We also have many opportunities for participation in vocal and instrumental ensembles for all ages and experience levels. This season’s offerings are below:
If you’re looking for a low-commitment, high-impact way to join our music ministries, consider joining us for just 45 mins on Thursdays during Lent. E-mail Stephen to sign-up!
Instrumentalists/Soloists: 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.
Festival Ensembles: Each year Immanuel Members and Friends contribute to special combined choir/orchestral music on All Saint’s Sunday, Christmas Eve, Easter, and Music Sunday. Contact Stephen for more info!
We invite all members of Immanuel’s congregation to join one of our choirs. If interested please come to a rehearsal or contact one of the music directors through the church office by calling 610-777-7107.
Mr. Stephen Longenecker, Minister of Music
Our Music Staff
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.
Gifts of the Arts
MUSIC and MISSION has been the focus of our Gifts of the Arts concert series since 2013. The Gifts of the Arts programs are an outreach ministry of Immanuel, welcoming all into our church home for musical concerts and other artistic events.
Our intentional focus on MUSIC and MISSION means we need patron support of of the Gifts of the Arts more than ever. Patron contributions are the sole source of monies used to organize and produce these events. This allows for all the monies generated through free will offering and ticket sales to be donated to various mission areas.
To date, Gifts of the Arts programs have donated to Immanuel’s Mission Trip Fund, Bethany Children’s Home, Bridge of Hope, Berks Women in Crisis, Phoebe Ministries, Opportunity House, Veterans in Need of Assistance, The City Thrift Shop, Reading Elementary Art Program, New Journey Community Outreach, and others.
To become a Gifts of the Arts Patron, please use the link below to express your financial support, and if desired, to designate your contribution to the program as a memorial, honorarium, or celebration. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Completed forms and checks (payable to Immanuel UCC) may also be mailed to:
99 S. Waverly St, Shillington, PA 19607.
Our Nov 2021 Gift of the Arts Concert raised $2500 for RMF Need-Based Scholarships