“Messiah” by George Frideric Handel
10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025
Presented by the Chancel Choir and accompanied by a string orchestra, the choir is excited to present this timeless and exultant work. Hear the voice of the prophets and the choirs of angels announce the birth to the shepherds. Considered one of the great musical works of all time, this performance is a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
Angel Choir News
The Angel Choir will offer special music in worship this Sunday, December 14, presenting the timely and beautifully expressive anthem, “A Prayer for Advent” by J. Paul Williams and Douglas Nolan. Also, Joy is taking pre-orders for the choir’s new Christmas audio collection, soon to be released as both a digital download and on CD. This project serves as the primary fundraiser for the choir’s 2026 summer singing tour. To reserve your copy, please contact Joy at joyhire@gmail.com or 740-328-9696. We are grateful for your faithful support of The Angel Choir!
With thanks
A most sincere thank you to all the musicians who made the Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour the success that it was. For two hours this past Saturday evening; choral ensembles , bell choirs , string quartets and chamber groups and the always delightful Common Thread provided fantastic music of the Christmas Season. As Wallace said in his opening remarks, we had everything from George Friderick Handel to George Strait. It definitely took a village to make it all happen.
A big shout out to Chancel Choir and their always glorious rich sound; JuBellee making their first appearance at Walking Tour, the great bell quartet and always wonderful Festivo Bells. A special thank you to Sue Larson who led the Newark Granville Youth Symphony thru three beautiful Christmas tunes. Common Thread was, as always, a fantastic performance.
All of this was followed by Angel Choir and so many friends. Joy Hire led the always heavenly sounds of the Angel Choir and prepared Denison Hilltoppers and Ladies’ Night Out to outstanding performances. Angels We Have Heard on High was majestic and beautifully accompanied by ETHEL string quartet and friends.
All in all it was a wonderful evening.
Thank you all!
Enjoy this encore performance of Rockin Around the Christmas Tree.
Christmas Carol Sing this Sunday, December 14.
This Sunday, during the morning prelude, we will have an opportunity to sing all your favorite Christmas Carols. We will begin at 9:53am and sing til we run out of carols to sing or time to sing them ! Take this time to think what your favorite Christmas Carol is that will also be in our amazing hymnal. See you Sunday morning!
2025 Poinsettia Order Form
Orders may be placed online at www.granpres.org/give or by e-mailing the information below to Patty Hussey in the church office: phussey@granpres.org
Each plant is $10.00, and orders will be accepted through Monday, December 15.
Please provide the following information EXACTLY how you would like your dedication to be printed in the Poinsettia Bulletin.
Your Name (or Group Name):
Phone Number:
Dedication:
Select one: In Memory of OR In Honor of
Thank you for helping to make our chancel beautiful for Christmas Eve!
Angel Choir Offers First New Audio Collection in 10 Years
Our Angel Choir’s new recording of Christmas music will be available soon, both on CD and as a digital download.
Joy Hire will be taking pre-order reservations for this exciting release immediately following worship on December 7 and 14 in the church sanctuary.
Angel Choir members, along with several talented friends of the group, have recorded this inspiring new collection of favorite Christmas carols and sacred anthems as a special fundraiser for next summer’s Singing Tour to New England.
The Angels are excited for you to be able to listen to their music whenever and wherever you feel like it! Also, these will make wonderful gifts for those you love.
Our young singers thank you for your continuing support, which makes their valuable and cherished experiences beyond our community possible.
Great news! Just in time for holiday listening and gift-giving, The Angel Choir is launching a special fundraising project celebrating the release of its newest recording. Donors will receive exclusive access to the choir’s inspiring new audio collection, available either as a convenient digital download or as a beautifully produced CD. Every contribution will directly help fund the choir’s 2026 summer tour. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy an uplifting mix of favorite Christmas music and sacred anthems while supporting this cherished ensemble. Your participation in championing the voices of The Angel Choir will make their song possible. Details coming soon!
Saturday, December 6, First Presbyterian Church
6 p.m.
Chancel Choir | Festivo Bells | JuBellee Bells | Common Thread | Newark-Granville Youth Symphony
7 p.m.
Angel Choir | Denison Hilltoppers | Ladies’ Night Out | ETHEL String Quartet
During this crazy, wonderful holiday season, I hope you can carve out some time to come hear the musicians from First Presbyterian Church and the greater Licking County area as we present songs of the Christmas season.
At 6 p.m. the Chancel Choir, JuBellee and Festivo Bells will present Christmas carols and popular songs of the season. We are joined again this year by members of the Newark Granville Youth Symphony under the direction of Sue Larson. A special musical holiday gift of the awesome ensemble, Common Thread, will be singing and playing as well.
Seven o’clock will find Joy Hire and Meredith Needham leading the Angel Choir in song. Special Denison University guests include a cappella groups Ladies’ Night Out and The Denison Hilltoppers, as well as the fabulous ensemble-in-residence ETHEL string quartet. In addition, Linda Habig will offer beautiful flute accompaniment to the program.
Hope to see you there!
Philip Everingham
Angel Alums Return
This fall, First Presbyterian has celebrated All Saints Day, our church’s 220th anniversary, longtime members of our congregation, and Stewardship Sunday. With this emphasis on our church’s history, it seemed only fitting for The Angel Choir to sing one of its signature anthems — and to include alums of all generations who reside nearby.
I’m thrilled that a significant number of these adults will be participating in this unique endeavor. They have been rehearsing together with our current choir members, and the choral sound is truly amazing!
Angels, both present and past, will sing “All Creatures of Our God and King” for worship on November 23. We hope you will join us in church or online to experience this truly special collaboration.
Joy Hire, Fearless Leader
Illuminati to Sing at FPC
Sunday, November 16
Illuminati, the Sacred Music Ensemble of the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus, will sing several choral works during the 10:00 am worship service on Sunday, November 16.
Illuminati, debuted in 2001 and performing since 2009, is one of the only LGBTQ+ sacred music ensembles in the United States.
Illuminati performs monthly at various religious institutions and events throughout central Ohio, and sometimes beyond, and is proud to be a bridge between the LGBTQIA+ and religious communities. Illuminati works to demonstrate that we all have a place in sacred spaces, and are whole, holy, and loved. Illuminati’s mission is to demonstrate, through song, that all people have a place in the religious community.
The Angel Choir to Sing Enduring Reformation Hymn
In celebration of Reformation Sunday on October 26, The Angel Choir will offer Mark Patterson’s stirring arrangement of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
Written in 1529 by German monk and theologian Martin Luther, this hymn has stood the test of time. “A Mighty Fortress” gave voice to Luther’s growing disillusionment with the Catholic Church and its widespread persecution, which led to the Reformation and creation of the Protestant Church.
Join us in person or online to experience the power and beauty of one of The Angel Choir’s favorite anthems.
Celtic Service
Many thanks to everyone who turned out for what was a meaningful and deeply spiritual service. Special thanks to Karen Bovenizer for leading the singing of the hymns; Nancy Eucker for her stirring readings of scripture and poetry; and a special thank you to Tom Martin for his thoughtful testimony about his faith journey. Your voices helped create a service rich with meaning and spirituality. Thank you!
—Philip Everingham
Sunday, November 2, 10:00 AM
On All Saints Sunday, we remember those we’ve lost from our church—and from our own lives. The Chancel Choir will sing selections from John Rutter’s melodic and shimmering Requiem. Everyone is invited to bring a framed photograph of a loved one who has died, and display it in one of the windowsills on the sides of the sanctuary. Please plan to arrive and have your photo in place by 9:45 AM.
Sunday, October 19, 3:00 PM, Sanctuary
Are you looking for a way to go deeper into your prayer and faith life? Join us for this special service, which draws from the Celtic liturgical traditions of Ireland and Scotland, particularly the communities of Iona and Northumbria. In addition to prayer, the service includes poetry and speaks of God in a common language. Music is largely instrumental—piano with a variety of other instruments. The service provides a quiet, contemplative time of prayer, song, and special music.
Special music will be provided by Jennifer Evans Kinsley playing soulful Celtic music on the hammered dulcimer. This service is led mainly by members of the congregation including folks sharing their own walk in their faith through testimony. Come worship and experience a meditative and inspiring service that will reinvigorate you and fill your soul.
Sunday, October 5, 10:00 AM, Sanctuary
Join us as we come to the Lord’s table with churches around the globe. The service will include different languages, music and liturgy from different lands, and breads from many different cultures.
World Communion Sunday is on the first Sunday of October each year. First adopted as a denominational practice in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.) in 1936, churches in other denominations were later invited to join. It wasn’t until 1940, when the National Council of Churches extended the celebration to several churches around the world, that the practice became widespread.
The idea originated with Dr. Hugh Thompson Kerr, pastor at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, in 1933. Kerr first conceived the notion of World Communion Sunday during his year as moderator of the General Assembly in 1930. They dreamed of bringing churches together in a service of Christian unity to lift up the global Church and to remember that by virtue of our baptism, we are connected to a worldwide community. Each congregation is connected to every other congregation, united in “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5).
The Angel Choir is Back!
Last Sunday, enthusiastic high school and middle school Angel Choir members met at the home of Fearless Leader Joy Hire for the first rehearsal of the 2025-26 season.
Even though it was the first time this year’s choristers had sung with one another, the music was beautiful, and the mood was upbeat. Following rehearsal, the singers jumped into the pool or gathered under trees on a simply gorgeous afternoon, and the fun continued. Enjoy these images of their first day together!
ANGEL CHOIR BEGINS THIS SUNDAY
Calling all Angels, returning and brand new!
The Angel Choir, for singers in grades 7 through 12, will begin its program year with a song and a splash from 1 to 3 p.m. this Sunday, August 24! Meet at Director Joy Hire’s home (1568 Silver Street) for our inaugural rehearsal and pool party.
Bring a towel and whatever you’d like to drink; there WILL be snacks.
Come for the music, come for the sun — and come for the fun!
Contact Joy with any questions!
Chancel Choir will begin rehearsing on August 28.
This season, we will be taking on all of Handel’s Messiah throughout the year, with the Christmas portion being presented on December 21.
In conjunction with this sacred and timeless work, Wallace and I will lead a series of five classes throughout November and December that examine Handel’s masterpiece as a Bible study, considering it as both a musical and theological work. Each class will take place after worship on four Sunday mornings.
If you’d like to perform this work with the choir, we will be rehearsing at 7:45 pm on Thursday evenings beginning August 28. Please come and sing with us!
Thank you!
Photos and a video are included below.
Many thanks to all the folks who turned out to ring our steeple bell for the Pelotonia cyclists as they made their way through Granville. Huge shout-out to Greg Bossert, Linda and Steve Scott, Ruth Sawyer, Danny Hussey and friends, Eric Henry, and Michael Crum for ringing during the first hour! Wallace started off the 11 am hour and took a brief sojourn up into the steeple to see the bell up close! Check out his Facebook post for great videos that Sophie took. Laura Atchison, Jacob Palmer, and I finished out the 11 am hour.
It was a lot of fun ringing while the Granville High School band played across the street from us! A happy, jubilant cacophony.
August 31 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary.
What leads composers toward the sacred? What is their spiritual journey as they write their songs? What inspires them to write their timeless music? Come August 31st at 3 pm in the Sanctuary to find out the answers to these questions and hear the beautiful voices of two of OSU’s wonderful vocal faculty.
Soprano Helen Allen and tenor Andrew Blosser, along with pianist Philip Everingham, will perform songs inspired by sacred texts across the centuries. From the poetic texts of John Climacus in the 1st century to the spiritual writings of 21st-century author Annie Dillard, the Ohio State voice faculty will present songs that consider Christ’s birth, ministry, and suffering on the cross, as well as spiritual considerations through the French mystic/composer Olivier Messiaen. Composers you will hear include Benjamin Britten, Hugo Wolf, James Primosch, and Vaughan Williams.
