First Church IOP Music Ministry

First Church IOP Music Ministry Welcome to FUMC IOP where all things music will be shared!

As we look back on our Winter 2025–2026 season, we do so with full hearts and deep gratitude. Take a look through these ...
04/07/2026

As we look back on our Winter 2025–2026 season, we do so with full hearts and deep gratitude. Take a look through these photos. i

From the quiet beauty of Advent to the joy and celebration of Christmas, to the somberness of Holy Week, this season was filled with meaningful moments of worship, music, and community. Our choir, handbells, instrumentalists, and soloists offered their gifts faithfully week after week, helping to create spaces where the story of Christ’s coming was not only told—but truly felt.

One of the highlights of the season was our Messiah performance, which filled the sanctuary and reminded us of the power of great sacred music to bring people together. Christmas Eve was equally special, with music that helped frame the wonder and hope of that holy night in a way that words alone never could. We also celebrated Holy Week through "In Paradisum"- a Lenten Evensong

What made this season truly memorable, though, wasn’t just the music—it was the people. The dedication, growth, laughter, and shared purpose of this ministry continue to shape something truly meaningful here at First Church.

And yes… we hit a few wrong notes along the way—but somehow, by the grace of God, they always resolved in the end.

As we turn towards the fall of 2026, we are excited for what’s ahead: continued growth in our ensembles, new opportunities for participation (especially if you’ve been thinking about joining!), and the continuation of Seaside Serenades.

As we turn toward 2026, we’re excited for what’s ahead and have a few clear hopes guiding us:

-To grow our ensembles, especially welcoming new voices (yes… we’re still looking for tenors and basses 👀). Yes, we want every single spot we have open to be filled!

-To continue raising the level of excellence, always offered humbly and to the glory of God

-To expand opportunities for participation, making it easy for anyone to find their place in the music ministry

-To strengthen community, both within our groups and through collaborations beyond our walls through our Seaside Serenades Concert Series

Thank you to everyone who made this season possible—those who sang, rang, played, listened, supported, and showed up. You are the reason this ministry is what it is.

Here’s to what God has done—and what is still to come.

A grand time was had by all! We are so proud of all the people who helped this night come to life. We are blessed.
12/17/2025

A grand time was had by all! We are so proud of all the people who helped this night come to life. We are blessed.

11/22/2025

Looking for a reason to join the music ministry of First UMC IOP? Well, here are just a few (of what we think are really good) reasons to join us!

1. You probably already sing in the shower—might as well upgrade to better acoustics.

Tile is great, but a sanctuary is better.

2. It’s the only time you can make noise in church on purpose.

And be thanked for it afterward.

3. Free front-row seat to worship every week.

We literally reserve the best view for people who show up and sing.

4. Built-in accountability for arriving on time.

If you’re late, everyone knows. Everyone.

5. Choir robes hide a multitude of fashion sins.

Didn’t do laundry? Robe. Too many patterns? Robe. Sunday morning chaos? Robe.

6. You’ll finally understand what “measure 47, second ending” means.

Or at least learn to nod confidently.

7. You get to laugh—quietly—when the pastor references something only musicians understand.

We see you. We know.

8. No musical talent? No problem.

If you can make a joyful noise, we can work with joyful. The noise part is negotiable.

9. You instantly gain 20 new friends who all know when to breathe together.

It’s like a tiny, harmonious family.

10. You can brag that you’re in a band.

A very well-behaved, Jesus-loving band. But still… a band.

In all seriousness, the music ministry welcomes you. We have a lot to be grateful for in this thanksgiving season, and a multitude of offerings in the year of 2026. Won't you join us? We promise you that you won't regret it!

It’s almost here!!First United Methodist Church Isle of Palms will be having a hymn festival entitled “The Good Shepherd...
08/01/2025

It’s almost here!!

First United Methodist Church Isle of Palms will be having a hymn festival entitled “The Good Shepherd”. It will take place at 5:30pm on August the 24th. Jeffrey P Phillip II will be our guest organist/conductor for the festival and I am thrilled to be collaborating with him again. At the young age of 22, he brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and talent to us that evening.

If you would like to participate in the choir, I have music and can send it to you, one dress rehearsal on the 23rd ,10:30-1:00.

[email protected]

ALSO! Dont forget about the music ministry kickoff August 6th at 6:00pm! Bring a covered dish to share.

About Jeffrey:

Jeffrey P. Raub II is a native of Easton, Pennsylvania, where he was raised in the Lutheran tradition. He began piano studies at the age of seven under the instruction of Connie Rinaldi, and at fourteen, he commenced organ studies with the Rev. Janice Butz. His organ training continued with esteemed instructors including Dr. Bryan Holten, Stephen Williams, and Dr. Barbara Thomson.

Jeffrey has served in a variety of liturgical settings across multiple denominations, including Lutheran, Moravian, and Anglican traditions. He currently serves as Director Of Liturgy and Music at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

He studied music at Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and holds the Service Playing Certificate from the American Guild of Organists.

Outside of his musical pursuits, Jeffrey enjoys spending time outdoors on his family’s farm, often accompanied by his cat, Storm, and his dog, Blaze.

Fall is coming, and that means choir and bells start back! If you’ve been on the fence about joining the music ministry,...
07/03/2025

Fall is coming, and that means choir and bells start back! If you’ve been on the fence about joining the music ministry, let us give you a few compelling points:

🎶 Why You Should Join the Church Music Ministry 🎶

(The funny—but surprisingly true—edition)
1. Free front-row seats to every service.
Bonus: You never have to awkwardly decide where to sit.
2. It’s the only group project where no one asks you to do math.
Just follow the notes and try to stay on beat—mostly.
3. You finally have a reason to belt high notes without your neighbors calling the cops.
And people might even thank you for it.
4. You’ll learn to count to four like a pro.
Musicians: keeping the sacred art of counting alive since the dawn of time.
5. God gave you a voice. We’re just trying to make sure you use it before He asks what you did with it.

6. Instant friends who also obsess over organ stops and weird hymn lyrics.
(“Ebenezer? Isn’t that a stone?”)
7. Guaranteed cardio from standing, sitting, and pretending you’re not out of breath from the anthem.
Choir robes: the original sauna suit.
8. Where else can you mess up publicly and still be greeted with hugs, coffee, and a “bless your heart”?
Grace is real—and sometimes it sounds like a B-flat.
9. Because worship isn’t a spectator sport.
Your gifts aren’t meant to be hidden under a bushel—or behind a pew.
10. We don’t care if you read music—as long as you read the room.
Energy, joy, and showing up on time go a long way!
11. It’s the one place you’re allowed to be dramatic and spiritual at the same time.
That crescendo? Divine. That modulation? Holy.
12. Because music sticks with people long after the sermon fades.
Be part of the soundtrack to someone’s faith.

If that still doesn’t convince you, then join us on August 6th at 5:30 to see for yourself. Our fall kick off and potluck dinner is sure to keep you coming back adter you’ve experienced just how much fun; and how easy it is!

We would love to have you. There is a spot for EVERYONE!

04/01/2025

ALL ARE WELCOME! 🎶

The choir is open to all high school youth and adults.
No previous musical experience or training is necessary! 🎤🎶

You’ll get to hang out with a wonderful group of people and an amazing music director! Plus, you’ll be part of sharing beautiful music that helps engage people in worship. 🙌🎵

📅 When: Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:30PM
📍 Where: In the Music Room (located in the education wing on the 1st floor)

Come sing with us! 🎶✨

Nothing like a good retreat weekend to get the music going! Are you going to help us make music soon?
03/14/2025

Nothing like a good retreat weekend to get the music going! Are you going to help us make music soon?

A end of year celebration to take a pause in the busyness of the season. Won’t you come and join us? There may be food! ...
12/12/2024

A end of year celebration to take a pause in the busyness of the season. Won’t you come and join us? There may be food!

We had such a fun time at our choral retreat a few weeks ago. Won’t you come join us? Come enjoy the island life, and mu...
11/22/2024

We had such a fun time at our choral retreat a few weeks ago. Won’t you come join us? Come enjoy the island life, and music!

Choir retreat weekend 10/26/24! 10:00am-1:00pm! Come sing with us through our Christmas and advent music as we prepare f...
10/12/2024

Choir retreat weekend 10/26/24! 10:00am-1:00pm! Come sing with us through our Christmas and advent music as we prepare for a festive holiday season! We would love to have you. If you are thinking of joining choir, this will be a great time for you to join us to see why it’s such a great thing to be a part of! You’ll make new friends, lots of great memories, and there will be food!

Address

12 21st Avenue
Isle Of Palms, SC
29451

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 12pm - 8:30pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 8:30am - 1pm

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