On Sunday, March 1, Hillsdale First United Methodist presented Gary and Martha Matthews in a concert of sacred music. The multi-talented Matthews duo performed unique arrangements of well-known hymns and songs in diverse musical styles including classical, jazz, gospel and contemporary on a variety of instruments. Gary played the piano, organ, trumpet, and sings, while Martha played a variety of flutes, penny whistles and handbells.

This was the first concert in the 2020 Hillsdale First UMC Community Concert Series- sharing the gift of music in the name of Christ.

Hillsdale First UMC's annual Christmas program celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ through choral music, carols, scripture readings and brief reflections. Featured performers were the Hillsdale First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir and guest singers from churches around the community, accompanied by an instrumental ensemble, all under the direction of John Ourensma, Director of Music.

On Sunday, April 14, The Kalamazoo Ringers handbell choir returned in the second concert of the Hillsdale First UMC 2019 Community Concert Series - sharing the gift of music in the name of Christ.

Now under their newly appointed director, Martha Matthews, they offered an exciting and diverse program of music for handbells. This outstanding group plays a set of bells that cover six octaves as well as a seven-octave set of hand chimes.

On Sunday, February 24 at 4:00 pm, Hillsdale native Nicholas Nestorak, tenor, offered a recital of sacred music. Nick was accompanied by well-known local pianist Debbi Wyse, Artist/Teacher of Piano and Assistant Choral Conductor at Hillsdale College. They will offered a varied program of sacred vocal music drawn from various periods of musical history as well as some arrangements of beloved sacred hymns. Ms. Wyse will also be playing several piano solos.

Nick is an emerging tenor to watch on the national scene after several seasons of successful engagements in US regional opera companies. With his family based in Hillsdale, we are delighted to have him sing this program before he heads off for his spring season of engagements. 

Written by lyricist Tom Long and composer Allen Pote, By Heaven's Light celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ with choral music, scripture readings and brief reflections. Also included was the singing of familiar Christmas carols with the audience. Featured performers were the Hillsdale First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir accompanied by an instrumental ensemble, the Hillsdale First UMC Handbell Choir, all under the direction of John Ourensma, Director of Music.

David Youngman is a local professional fingerstyle guitarist and will be sharing music in a varied program of sacred and classical selections.

Youngman has won several national and international awards for his guitar performances and compositions, including the 2015 International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion. Since winning the International competition, he has primarily focused on his own music. Youngman's music features techniques not seen many other places. He is most famous for his use of two hand tapping techniques, hand-drumming, and live looping. Combined, these unconventional techniques produce and incredibly full, live sound, often giving the illusion that an entire band is performing.

Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. A reception will follow the concert in the Fellowship Hall.

Were You There on that Christmas Night? - Hillsdale First UMC's Annual Christmas Concert

Alma College Choir Concert

The Ten Commandments Silent Film Presentation, accompanied live by Organist Dr. John Schwandt

What Sweeter Music, by Hillsdale First United Methodist Church Music Department

Organ Recital by John Ourensma with Nicholas Nestorak, Tenor

The Kalamazoo Ringers Handbell Choir

The King of Kings, Silent Film Presentation, accompanied live by Organist Dr. John Schwandt