Please join us this Sunday, November 1 at 11:30 a.m. after the service when we will gather virtually on Zoom to share “coffee hour” together. Our new Music Director Kathy Harris will be joining us for an informal Q&A. Then we will break into small groups for a few minutes to...
Please join us for our Virtual Coffee House! Performers and audience members of all ages can watch together and participate in the group chat. If you would like to attend, please sign up here at the signup form link! The Coffee House acts are in, and they are a great...
Please join us for our Virtual Coffee House! Performers and audience members of all ages can watch together and participate in the group chat. To comply with potential copyright restrictions, we will need to send all attendees a link for this specific event, just like Sunday morning worship services. To...
The Music Director Search Team is pleased to announce that Katherine Harris has accepted the position of Music Director of First Unitarian Church, effective October 1st, 2020. A native Wilmingtonian, Katherine is a professional musician and vocal teacher. She attended Westminster Choir College before transferring to Oberlin College Conservatory of...
Although the building is closed, our Building and Grounds staff and volunteers continue to work on updates to the new combined Library and Music space on the second floor. We still have more work to do, but every week we move a little closer to completion. The pandemic limitations have...
Stay tuned at the end of the service this Sunday, September 20th for exciting news! We can’t share more yet, but make sure you’re watching at the conclusion of the service for a video message from us. From the Music Director Search Team: Cindy Cohen, Rebecca Fisher, Anne Zwick Turner,...
Whether you have talent to share, or just want to enjoy the show, please plan to join 1st U’s VIRTUAL Coffee House online. It is open to PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCES OF ALL AGES. We’ve created an online signup form for performers AND audience. Performers: In order to perform during the...
Saturday, October 24 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Whether you have talent to share, or just want to enjoy the show, please plan to join 1st U’s VIRTUAL Coffee House online. It is open to PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCES OF ALL AGES. Watch for a link for the online signup form,...
The church needs to find a new home for an Arpeggio brand accordion. This appears to be a fairly high quality instrument. It is marked “Made in Italy” and what may be a model number – “Matr.N. 2743”. There are 5 treble register switches. Based on the deterioration of the...
The Music Director Search Team has been working hard, and have compiled the results of the congregational survey for the First U Music Program. Click here to view the 2020 Music Program Survey Results. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the survey! We reviewed these results at last Sunday’s...
All are welcome to join us on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) as we honor our beloved friend, honorary minister, choir director, music director, colleague, brother, uncle, and so much more, whose unexpected death in June left many of us in grief. Our service will be...
The Music Director Search Team has been working hard, and have compiled the results of the congregational survey for the First U Music Program. Click here to view the 2020 Music Program Survey Results. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the survey! We will be reviewing these results at...
The Board invites you to a Virtual Coffee Hour after our online worship on Sunday, July 26 at 11:30 a.m.. Come and see your friends! Hear the results of the congregational survey for the Music Director. Click here for details to join our Zoom coffee hour.
In order to create a lasting digital memorial to Scott Ward, our beloved Honorary Minister of Music who died on June 5, the Scott-Spezak family (Will, Megan, and Chris) would like to curate photos and create a lasting digital archive. If you have photos or videos in digital format, please...
The Music Director Search Team has been working together diligently for the last several weeks. We want to let the congregation know that the job description for Music Director at First Unitarian Church has now been posted on our website. Click here to view the job posting. Please share it...
The Music Director Search Team (Cindy Cohen, Rebecca Fisher, Anne Turner, Jim Weddell and Reverend Pamela Wat) wants to hear from YOU as they select the next Music Director for First Unitarian Church. People of all ages are invited to share their opinions. Your input is vital to the success...
The Music Director Search Team has been working together diligently for the last several weeks. We want to let the congregation know that the job description for Music Director at First Unitarian Church has now been posted on our website. Click here to view the job posting updated June 17,...
Please help us find the best Music Director for our church by completing it as soon as you can. Your input is vital to the success of our search, and it shouldn’t take you too long to complete. We want to hear from everyone in your family, young and old!...
Our Online Music Survey is ready and waiting for you! Please help us find the best Music Director for our church by completing it as soon as you can. Your input is vital to the success of our search, and it shouldn’t take you too long to complete. We want...
The Music Director Search Team has been working together diligently for the last several weeks. We want to let the congregation know that the job description for Music Director at First Unitarian Church has now been posted on our website. Click here to view the job posting updated June 17,...
The Music Director Search Team has been working together diligently for the last several weeks. We want to let the congregation know that the job description for Music Director at First Unitarian Church is available, here. Please share it with anyone whom you think might be interested in this position....
Are you a singer? Do you miss singing in church? While we are socially distancing, we are still providing music for our worship services with the First U Virtual Choir. Through modern audio-video technology, we are able to record and blend our voices and video recordings to be used in...
We are exceedingly grateful to Cyril Everett Caster and Catherine Braik Selin for stepping in so quickly and providing their beautiful music for the last two months of our first online-only worship services. Now that things are settling down we are ready to return to our previous plan for offering...
The budget for FY 20-21 is set up with a different staff configuration for Music, Membership and Children’s Religious Exploration. Our plan is to hire a half-time Music Director, a quarter time Membership Coordinator and a paid Children’s Religious Exploration Guide. You can learn more about the proposed new positions...
The SAD news is, out of an abundance of caution, due to coronavirus, the 2020 Coffee House is being postponed. The HAPPY news is, the Coffee House will be rescheduled for next fall! You are welcome to contact Jim Weddell (jkweddell@mac.com) with any questions.
Due to cancellations, our Easter Sunday service will be streaming only and the choir will not be performing or rehearsing as scheduled. Keep singing at home! We look forward to resuming once we are up and running again.
Saturday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Whether you have talent to share, or just want to enjoy the show, please plan to attend 1st U’s Coffee House in the Parish Hall. It is open to PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCES OF ALL AGES. We’ve created an online signup form here...
Music Staffing Update Since the departure of Scott from First Unitarian, we have been fortunate to have a wonderful stream of guest musicians sharing their talent and skill with us each week. During this interim period, Rev. Pam has been scheduling musicians from the community and from the congregation to...
We are pleased to announce that Anne Turner (who directed the choir for the 2/16 rededication/installation) will be directing the choir for the April 12 Easter service. Rehearsals will be at 7:00 p.m. (ending around 8:45 p.m.) on March 26, April 2, and April 9. New and returning singers are...
Because of the impact of COVID19, we must postpone the Organ Concert originally scheduled for Sunday, March 15th at 3:00 p.m. We will reschedule David Schelat, one of Delaware’s finest organists, for a Fall Concert. David, then, will show us what our magnificent Rieger Organ can do with the special...
Saturday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Plans for the 1st U Coffee House are coming together. This is open to PEOPLE OF ALL AGES. We’ve created an online signup form here if you or a group would like to share your talent(s) that evening. The form explains how...
Just one week away! We hope you have reserved the afternoon of March 15 to return to First U for the David Schelat Organ Recital. David Schelat is founder, president, and artistic director of Market Street Music, as well as conductor for Center City Chorale and Mastersingers of Wilmington. He...
Imagine listening to Bach’s Toccata, Adagio, & Fugue, BWV 564, a composition that shows off what a skilled organist can do with the pedals of our amazing Rieger organ. To organists, the pedals are another keyboard, and you may never have heard our organ played with the section of pedals...
Save the Date, Saturday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. We will be having a 1st U Coffee House. For singing, dancing, poetry, stand up comedy, playing an instrument and pretty much any other talent you might want to share; this Coffee House is the time. This is open...
Mark your calendar for Sunday, March 15th at 3:00p.m. David Schelat, one of Delaware’s finest organists will show us what our magnificent Rieger Organ can do. When our Rieger Orgelbau organ was installed in 1976-77, it was the first tracker organ in Delaware. For a number of years after, organists...
Thanks to all who attended our annual Martin Luther King Celebratory Concert on January 24! We raised $622 for the YWCA’s Racial and Social Justice program and our sanctuary was blessed by the timely words from “Beyond Vietnam” by Dr. King (spoken by Rev. John G. Moore) and the voices of...
Join us on Friday, January 24, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. Our annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebratory Concert features African American spirituals, the story of King’s youth and adulthood, and Martin Luther King, Jr. speech interpreter Rev. John Moore sharing the words of Dr. King. Singers include members of the...
Because of the holidays, our Pop UUp Choir will meet on January 12. All ages are welcome. Meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. on January 12 – and we will make music!
On January 24, 2020 at 7:30 p.m., we will hold our annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebratory Concert. A good will offering will be taken to support the mission of YWCA Delaware. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. A light reception...
Our Special Offering at the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Service will support Lutheran Community Services (LCS). LCS has been serving low-income families in Wilmington and New Castle County, with emergency food, housing and other services since 1959. When congregants or community members ask First Unitarian for help, we often refer them to the...
Congratulations to Suzie Cornell, the winner of our Counterpoint Society membership drive! As winner of the raffle, Suzie will choose a sermon topic and musical style, and Rev. Pam and Scott will craft a Sunday service accordingly. Thanks to everyone who donated to this year’s Counterpoint Society drive. We have...
Celebrate Epiphany with songs and stories! We will include holiday music of the ages, soloists, stories and organ pipes will be a-blazing. Rieger organ will play and Mr. Ward plays his award winning “The Three Kings” on the organ. Don’t miss it, bring your family and friends. December 29, 10:30...
What do you learn when you sit on the other side of the bus? What lesson does a beloved dog come back in a dream to teach? What causes a group of unruly fourth graders to stop in awe? Come to our UU Lessons and Carols service December 29, 10:30...
Help us expand our repertoire! You have an opportunity to learn one of the more contemporary songs from the Singing the Journey teal hymnal. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning (December 1) when our Honorary Minister of Music, Scott Ward, will be teaching a contemporary Winter Solstice song for...
Stay away from the malls and stores, and come to First Unitarian for a concert by coloratura soprano Kelly Curtin on November 29, at 3:00 p.m. in our Sanctuary. Kelly has performed extensively throughout the tri-state area and in Europe. The recital will truly be a wonderful event. A brief...
Well, we are entering the last “official” Sunday of the annual Counterpoint Membership drive, although donations of any amount are always welcome. Thank you, thank you to those who have been able to participate this year. And remember, joining Counterpoint with a denotation of ANY amount, gets you enrolled in...
We are entering the second week of the annual Counterpoint Membership drive. Did you know that if there was no Counterpoint, there would be no All – Music Sundays? Or African drummers visiting Sunday morning? To learn more, and to join, go to the piano in the Sanctuary after church,...
Come to church at 9:30 a.m. on November 3 in the Sanctuary and join the Pop UUp Choir! Then sing for the service. We will sing a chant about fire and water! People of ALL ages are welcome. Invite a friend!
Come early this Sunday, October 6, and join the Pop UUp Choir. People of all ages welcome. Meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m., then sing for the Whole Church service.
Please join us! Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary on September 8, and SING! People of all ages are welcome!
The Inter-generational “Pop Up” Choir is for families and individuals who love to sing, but don’t have time for regular Choir. The Pop Up Choir will not meet during the summer. Have a great summer vacation!
Join us Wednesday, May 8 at 7:15 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Richard Speck will lead a drum circle. Drum Circle is a form of meditation that relaxes the body and focuses the mind. All are welcome. We begin following the Vespers service, held in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m....
The Inter-generational “Pop Up” Choir is for families and individuals who love to sing, but don’t have time for regular Choir. The music will be fun songs from different sources, picked so they can be learned quickly The “Pop Up” choir will meet 9:30 a.m. on the first Sunday of...
Come Sing in the Intergenerational “Pop Up” Choir. The Intergen “Pop Up” Choir is for families and individuals who love to sing, but don’t have time for regular Choir. The “Pop Up” choir will meet 9:30 a.m. the first Sunday of the month, have some light refreshments, then sing for...
Service at 10:30 a.m. (Pre-service concert at 10:15 a.m.) Celebrating Spiritual Renewal through Music The Music of Franz Schubert: Mass in G D167, and Lieder Rev. Roberta Finkelstein, Minister, Scott Ward, Honorary Minister of Music, the Choir of First Unitarian Church with Instruments, Natalie Gilbert, soprano, Terry Ward, Baritone 10:15...
A great time was had by all last Saturday, March 9, at our Coffee House talent show. All generations joined together to sing, tell jokes and enjoy refreshments.
The Inter-generational “Pop Up” Choir is for families and individuals who love to sing, but don’t have time for regular Choir. They sing the First Sunday of every month. The music will be fun songs from different sources, picked so they can be learned quickly. The “Pop Up” choir will...
Coordinated by Scott Ward and Martin Hargrove. February is the time to sign up to perform at our our annual Coffee House. Singing, dancing, poetry, stand up, playing an instrument and pretty much any other talent you might want to share; coffee house is the time. THIS IS OPEN TO...
For details on each event, please click here. Sunday, February 17, Noon – 1 p.m. “Outsiders Becoming Insiders: The Inner History of the Broadway Musical.” View our flyer, here. Saturday, March 9, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. coordinated by Scott Ward and Martin Hargrove “Coffee House” – email Scott at...
The class “Outsiders Becoming Insiders: The Inner History of the Broadway Musical” taught by Jim Curtis will be Sunday, February 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. View our flyer, here.
The class “Outsiders Becoming Insiders: The Inner History of the Broadway Musical” taught by Jim Curtis will be Sunday, February 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. View our flyer, here.
The First UU Pop Up Choir sings this coming Sunday (February 3!) Open to people of all ages and experience. Meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. February 3 and learn a song we will sing in the service. A fun time for all – give it a try.
The Inter-generational “Pop Up” Choir is for families and individuals who love to sing, but don’t have time for regular Choir. They will sing the First Sunday of every month (February 3). The music will be fun songs from different sources, picked so they can be learned quickly. The “Pop...
Wednesday, February 13, 7:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. in Parish Hall, led by Rev. Richard Speck. “Drum Circle” A half hour of the practice of meditation, called “The Drum Circle.” After the quiet, reflective style of Vespers (6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., led by Cindy Cohen), you can join our...
January 20, 12 noon – 1 p.m. “What is the ink on a page?” in our Music Room on the second floor. A brief exploration into music notation for the non-musician. Learn about what is important on a page of music, and what is not. Learn to decode the hymnals.
January 13, our fund drive kick off Sunday morning service! Music featuring the Chamber Choir and the Rob Swanson Jazz Trio. CANCELLED – NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED – Webinar on January 13, 7-8 p.m. in Room 25, will provide an opportunity for music ministry leaders to discuss the challenges...
Join us for a concert on January 25, 2019. The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Week Concert to benefit the Delaware YWCA will be held at First Unitarian. Hosted by Rev. Roberta Finkelstein, Martin Hargrove and our Music Minster, Scott Ward. We will have special guest speakers, but mostly music....
Our traditional mini-concert before the 10:00 p.m. service (9:45 p.m.) will be “Holiday Classics from the Stage and the Screen.” Beloved songs to be sung by bass Martin Hargrove. During the service there will be a mix of traditional music and more modern selections with our choir and instruments. At...
UU’s have a unique perspective on winter holidays and we invite you to join us. December 24, 2018 – 4:00Monday, – “No Rehearsal Christmas Pageant” – Rev. Roberta Finkelstein and Catherine Williamson, Director of Religious Education. Rev. Roberta and Catherine will lead a service that retells the classic Christmas story...
Our traditional mini-concert before the 10:00 p.m. service (9:45 p.m.) will be “Holiday Classics from the Stage and the Screen.” Beloved songs to be sung by bass Martin Hargrove. During the service there will be a mix of traditional music and more modern selections with our choir and instruments. At...
It is the time of year for our annual Counterpoint Society membership drive. Counterpoint is a group of people who are able to give support to the Music Program above their regular church pledge. Counterpoint makes it possible for all the special guest musicians and music Sundays we have during...
The Inter-generational Pop Up Choir is for families and individuals who love to sing, but don’t have time for regular Choir. They will sing the First Sunday of every month (except January.) The music will be fun songs from different sources, picked so they can be learned quickly. The Pop...
It is the time of year for our annual Counterpoint Society membership drive. Counterpoint is a group of people who are able to give support to the Music Program above their regular church pledge. Counterpoint makes it possible for all the special guest musicians and music Sundays we have during...
The Intergenerational Pop Up Choir is for families and individuals who love to sing, but don’t have time for regular Choir. They will sing the First Sunday of every month (except January.) The music will be fun songs from different sources, picked so they can be learned quickly. The Pop...
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for a 7:30 p.m. concert on January 25. The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Week Concert to benefit the Delaware YWCA will be held at First Unitarian. Hosted by Rev. Roberta Finkelstein, Martin Hargrove and our Music Minster Scott Ward. We will have special guest speakers, but...
Join the Summer Choir, Part II! Sunday, August 26: Come to church early, 9:40 a.m. and join the Summer Choir! We will sing arrangements of hymns that Scott and Rev. Roberta will use during their “Readings and Hymns” service about the end of summer. Fun arrangements, harmonies and rhythms. OPEN TO...
We hope you were able to join us on Sunday, April 29, for our Musical Service, “The Theology of the Lion King.” Here are some photos of that morning. A fun time was had by all! Thank you to our Photographer Team: Edris Harrell, Dale Stratton and Nancy Pinson.
Come share your talents! Music, poetry, comedy! Contact Scott Ward at scott@firstuuwilm.org or call (302) 478-2384 to sign up. Our Children’s Religious Exploration kids will be selling fun snacks. The Choir will sing and Martin Hargrove will sing. Come join the fun!
On January 28, we celebrated the music of UU composer Brian Tate. You can view a photo gallery of the service, here.
This Sunday, January 28, 10:30 a.m. is an All Music Sunday, featuring the compositions of Canadian Unitarian Composer Brian Tate, a well known conductor, composer and choral clinician. His music is vibrant and inspiring. Our Choir will be joined by percussionist Jonathan Whitney, pianist Linda Henderson and flute and cello...
Scott Ward is leading the First U Children & Youth Choir for 3rd graders – 12th graders. The choir will meet 3 times prior to the performance on December 17. Attendance is required at 2 of the practices in order to participate. If there is enough interest, we will have...
Counterpoint is a group of people who are able to give funding directly to the music program to support special music for our worship services. Some recent examples are last Sunday’s performance by Monica McIntyre, The Harvey Price Quartet, the Scott Davidson Trio, our “Elvis Band” and more to come....