Believe and Bear Fruit
Our mission is centered on the words of the apostle Paul, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:19-20)
If you love to sing or play an instrument, here's your chance to share your musical gifts with others. Bethany offers fun and engaging ensembles for all ages, from youth and adult vocal choirs to handbell choirs and praise teams. Groups perform at worship services throughout the year, as well as occasional special performances at nursing homes, parks or local churches.
Just as Bethany offers different styles of worship to make eternal Biblical truths relevant to all living in today's culture, the music ministry offers many opportunities to serve in worship using our God-given talents. In addition to nurturing spiritual growth through fellowship and camaraderie, we strive to maintain a high standard of musical excellence. You don't need to be a member of Bethany or even audition to participate. Simply contact Bethany Lutheran Church at 319-364-6026.
Opportunities:
Aneste Chorale (Greek word meaning "Risen Lord" - pronounced ah NEST ay)
- Open to high school youth and adults
- Encompasses both traditional and contemporary choral literature (2 - 6 part harmony)
- Rehearses Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (August - May)
- Typically participates in early worship on the last two Sundays of every month
- Special combined choir opportunities include Easter, Reformation, Christmas and the annual Epiphany Concert in January
Kerysso Choir (Greek word expressing "the proclamation of the gospel" - pronounced kay RISS owe)
- Open to 3rd through 6th graders
- Encompasses both traditional and contemporary choral literature (unison - 2 part harmony)
- Rehearses the two Wednesdays preceding the second Sunday of each month from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. (September - May)
- Participates in worship on the second Sunday of every month
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Kerysso attends the annual Eastern Iowa Children's Choir Festival sponsored by the Choristers Guild
Adult Bell Choir
Director - Tom Mills
- Open to high school youth and adults
- Encompasses both traditional and contemporary bell literature (mostly 3 octave)
- Rehearses Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (September - May)
- Typically participates in early worship on the first Sunday of every month
Youth Bell Choir
Director - Marsha Wakeman
- Open to elementary and middle school youth
- Encompasses both traditional and contemporary bell literature (mostly 3 octave)
- Seasonal rehearsals preceding Children's Christmas Eve worship and Sunday school worship in May
Worship Band
Co-director - Gerard Estella
Leadership Team
Ellie Smith and
Karen Schlehuber
- Open to high school youth and adults
- Includes (but not limited to) drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards and vocals
- Encompasses both contemporary songs and hymns
- Rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
- Leads late worship at 11:00 a.m. service (except Festival Sundays)
- Leads annual outdoor worship service at Bever Park in the summer
Bethany Brass Ensemble
- Open to high school youth and adults (including Washington High School students)
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Includes trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone and tuba
- Encompasses traditional hymnody and brass literature spanning the 16th - 19th century
- Seasonal rehearsals preceding the Epiphany Concert and Festival worship services on Easter, Reformation, Christmas, and Memorial Day weekend
Bethany Chamber Players
Contact Janet Hoech
- Open to string and wind instrument players (including Washington High School students)
- Includes (but not limited to) harp, cello, flute, violin, viola, string bass and piano
- Encompasses traditional hymnody and chamber literature spanning the 16th - 20th century
- Seasonal rehearsals preceding the Epiphany Concert and special Lenten, Advent and Christmas services
Annual Music Events:
Variety Show
This fun-for-all-ages show combines comedy, drama and musical acts into a one-hour program. It's the perfect conclusion to our annual fall Harvest Festival.
Epiphany Concert
Set for early January, this joyous celebration revisits Advent and Christmas and explains the season of Epiphany through art, scripture and song. Many of Bethany's ensembles perform at the concert to bring the audience music of varied styles. Each year, a professional, community ensemble is invited to participate and a mass choir of 50 singers is formed from five area churches.
Christmas Caroling
Several weeks before Christmas, we take part in the timeless tradition of sharing the good news of Jesus with our community through much-loved carols and songs. Our hearts are warmed by the fellowship of friends and neighbors, and a delicious, homemade soup dinner at the end of the day.
Special music opportunities for vocal or instrumental solos also exist throughout the year, particularly during summer months when most ensembles do not rehearse. Additional worship art ministries including drama, liturgical art and liturgical dance also play a significant role in our worship at Bethany. To arrange a Sunday solo or if you have interest in the additional worship arts, please email Tom Mills at or you may call 319-377-3488. For children's music contact Laura Holt at .
