Stephanie Mercer is the Music Director, Organist and Worship Pianist, at Newark First United Methodist Church.
Kathy Cornwell is the Chancel AND Bell Choir Director at Newark First United Methodist Church. Bell Choir Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm and Chancel Choir rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. The Chancel Choir sings at the Sunday 10am service. (Note: Choir’s are on summer break and will resume rehearsals in early September)
Chancel Choir, Dec. 2025
Pease contact Stephanie or Kathy if you are interested in participating or if you would like to offer Special Music at one of our Worship Services. We are always for new members for both the Chancel and the Bell Choirs.
Music @ Newark FUMC: In addition to providing music at the Sunday Worship Services from September through June, members participate in what’s known as the “Pop Up” choir during the summer months. Our members also provide Special Music (solos, instrumental, etc.) throughout the year, and coordinate several special events at the church, many of which include music entertainment. The Community is invited to these events free of charge. Events may include Fellowship Meals (twice per yeara), Annual Talent Show, Veterans Tribute Concert, Cantatas, and community concerts.
Annual Choir Special Recognition (JUNE 2025)
Each June, members of our Chancel Choir and Bell Choir are chosen for special recognition because of their special contributions to the work of these groups during the year. Their names are added to a plaque that hangs just outside of the sanctuary near the music office, and we honor them during worship on the last Sunday of the choir season, which was June 15th.
This year’s Chancel Choir honoree is Nancy Briggs. Nancy has been a member of our choir for over 40 years, adding her sweet voice to our soprano section. Her good-natured attitude and kindness light up our rehearsals! Even though she had some medical challenges this winter, Nancy made it a priority to come to sing in the choir, because singing brings her joy. Thank you, Nancy, for every wonderful thing you bring to our music program and our church family!
The Bell Choir is honoring Jaclyn Lootens. Jacki is new to bell ringing. Last summer, she helped Lucina pack up the bells to send them out for refurbishment, and became interested in them. Lucina encouraged her to join our group. Jacki wasn’t sure, but took a step of faith and agreed to give it a try. It hasn’t always been easy, but she has made great progress this year. Jacki is usually the first one to arrive at rehearsal and helps set up the bells for us. We admire her dedication and determination, as well as her sense of humor. Thank you, Jacki, for taking a chance on us. You add so much to our group!
Recording Project (JUNE 2025)
On June 11, our Chancel Choir and Bell Choir had the opportunity to be professionally recorded for a future CD. Bob Potter from Finger Lakes Community College brought his state-of-the-art equipment and two former studio production students to our Wednesday evening rehearsals and recorded both groups. It was a warm night, but our musicians showed great patience and stamina through repeated takes, and the result was beautiful! Bob will edit the recordings and make them available to us at no cost. Many thanks to him for this service! The Bell Choir recorded two pieces, “Laudation” and “When We Are Living,” and the Chancel Choir recorded 4 of our best-loved songs: “O God Beyond All Praising “(featuring Stephanie playing our newly-refurbished organ), “All Things New”, “Look at the World “and “Kum ba Yah”. Our plan is to ask Bob to come back sometime next year to record a few more pieces so we can make a CD available to our congregation. Praise God for His faithfulness to us as we grow our music ministry!
Kathy Cornwell, Choir Director
Bell Choir – December 2024
Chancel Choir – Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023
We would love to have you join our Chancel Choir. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:30pm. We perform most Sundays at the 10:00am Worship Service. Contact Kathy Cornwell, Stephanie Mercer or the church office.
Click on this link to hear the Newark FUMC Chancel Choir perform “And Can It Be”: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7xnugo9mavazqxj/Chancel%20Choir.mov?dl=0
Chancel Choir – Sunday, October 2, 2022. Celebrating Barb Seppeler’s retirement.
Kathy Cornwell is the new Chancel Choir Director.
