Open to high school-aged youth through adults, this 50-member volunteer ensemble provides a wide variety of inspiring choral music for our worship services. More than merely a musical group, the Sanctuary Choir is perhaps the most enduring ministry team in the church, sharing common bonds of friendship, fun, and love of singing while uniting in the call to praise and pray to God through music. Open to high school youth and older. No experience or music ability is necessary.

Designed to teach our youngest musicians (Grades K-3) the basics of reading music while using our Malmark chimes, it is hoped that these children will go on to play with the Rockin’ Ringers and eventually graduate to the Celestial Ringers. Like all other choirs, the Cherubs participate in Music Appreciation Sunday and the annual Christmas Celebration Concerts, and occasionally play during worship.

Our adult handbell choir utilizes four octaves of Schulmerich handbells, supplemented at times by a three-octave set of Malmark chimes. Like all other choirs at UCC Norwell, this is a volunteer, non-auditioned group of people of various skill levels. In addition to the Christmas Celebration Concerts each year, the Celestial Ringers play during worship, and are featured in our Easter services and on Music Appreciation Sunday.

Our youth handbell choir is open to young people in Grades 4 through 8. The Rockin’ Ringers learn to play on Schulmerich handbells and this group loves to play in worship as often as possible. Rehearsals include rhythm and music-reading exercises as well as practicing repertoire for worship.

Each Wednesday during Advent and Lent, the United Church of Christ in Norwell will be open for a time of musical meditation. In a program featuring seasonal music for piano, Minister of Music Karen Harvey will provide thirty minutes of music to refresh the spirit and revive the soul. Programs are free and open to the public and also available for viewing on Vimeo.

A special afternoon celebration featured the talented choirs of UCC Norwell, who performed a moving concert of patriotic music brought our community together to honor our veterans. The event also included powerful readings and a poignant video compilation of veteran interviews. This heartfelt tribute resonated with all who attended, from young to old, veteran and civilian alike. The performance, featuring a diverse range of instruments including handbells, trumpet, drums, and piano, was interspersed with personal stories and reflections from veterans and their families. NSTV was there and created a special piece about the performance including exclusive interviews.

Created and organized by UCC Norwell member Kay Spurr, the volunteer members of the Memory Lane Singers visit local nursing homes, delighting residents with their hymns, seasonal favorites and “oldies but goodies!” There are no rehearsals and no singing experience is necessary. Singers are encouraged to participate when their schedules allow. Singing is good for your soul! Bring a friend! Listen to a recent feature here, and check out the 24/25 performance schedule below.

During the summer, our Sanctuary Choir takes a break, and various instrumentalists, soloists, and small groups take their place. In addition, we have “Pick-up Choir” when anyone is welcome to come to rehearsal prior to worship. No prior choir experience is necessary; the music is accessible and the choir is “user-friendly.”