Ministries:
Music
Ministry
Music is something we both hear and sing when we worship. This is related to the fact that worship is both call and response. The call of God reaches the depths of our hearts with special power through music, and our singing expresses with special power the deepest response of our hearts to God.
Music is the heart language of worship, and makes a difference in how everything else in the service goes. When we all have been lifted to the heights through music, the pastor and others who lead worship are inspired to preach and lead with greater freedom and power. Those who worship in the pews find their hearts and minds opened to hear more clearly and receive more fully the good news that is the gospel.
Community
Artist & Speaker Series
FPGH has a long and established history supporting and promoting the arts as a means by which we demonstrate our hospitality, encourage intellectual pursuits, and nurture spiritual growth. We program an average of eight concerts per season, and since the program’s launch in 2008, we have welcomed thousands of people into our sanctuary for a wide range of concerts and events.
Community Artist Series events are free and open to the public. All are welcome.
2024/25 C.A.S. Schedule
Tyler Kivel
September 15, 2024 4:00 p.m.
Tyler Kivel is an outstanding pianist who has performed throughout the country at such venues as Chicago Symphony Hall, PianoForte Studios, and Carnegie Hall. Currently, he is a Principal Associate Keyboardist with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, a unique training program that educates participants in the art of orchestral and collaborative playing, while they receive personal instruction from former Chicago Symphony Orchestra Keyboardist, Mary Sauer. He is also the pianist in the Piano/Organ duo named Dual-Art.
Acoustic Oasis
October 6, 2024 4:00 p.m.
Phil Petersen and Glen Miller, AKA Acoustic Oasis, are two guys who love playing music. Inspired by the music of such artists as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles, Jack Johnson and Ray LaMontagne, they have created a playlist of covers and originals, adding many instruments along the way. Their sound includes 6 and 12 string guitars, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, clarinet and harmonica, with performance venues including coffee houses, brew pubs, restaurants, wine-bars, special events and private parties throughout West Michigan. For a sample of their sound, visit www.acousticoasis.org
Immigration, the Border Crisis, and Asylum Seekers, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Schooley, Speaker
October 13, 2024 6:00 p.m.
We’ve seen photos and video and heard stories about the situation at the U.S. southern border, but few have experienced it in person. The Rev. Dr. Jeff Schooley of First Presbyterian Church Bowling Green (Ohio) shares a first-hand account of his trip to the border.
Spooktacular
October 27, 2024 4:00 p.m.
Dress up in your Halloween best and join us for an afternoon of spooky and fun organ music!
Artists from the West Michigan Chapter of the American Guild of Organists along with other talented musicians will present a frighteningly delightful program of organ music that is sure to entertain kids and parents alike. Classical, popular and Broadway hits will be featured.
Boardwalk Brass of Grand Haven
November 10, 2024 4:00 p.m.
This 12-piece ensemble boasts some of the finest brass musicians in West Michigan and offers a wide variety of traditional and contemporary brass band music. Along with a flair for entertaining and engaging their audiences, the BBGH takes great pride in presenting interesting and challenging programs at a high level of performance and musicianship. Boardwalk Brass is led by Director of Music Vince Browand.
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Shoreline Symphony
December 15, 2024 4:00 p.m.
The non-profit organization includes woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. It is the mission of the SCO to provide a practice and performance opportunity to people who love to play significant orchestral and ensemble works, promoting the enjoyment and appreciation of symphonic music through programs that educate, enrich, and entertain. Under the leadership of professional music director Nick Mosely, orchestra members give freely of their time, come from all walks of life, and have varied ages and backgrounds.
Robin Connell & Friends
January 12, 2025 4:00 p.m.
Originally from Detroit, jazz pianist-singer Robin Connell honed her craft in New York City, at places such as The Waldorf-Astoria, bringing the sophistication of The Great American Songbook to life in her own charming and inimitable way. An accomplished musician, Robin performs regularly as bandleader or side-woman throughout the Midwest (Chris Kjorness Trio, Beer City Saxes, Randy Marsh Trio, and others) and hosts the jazz piano concert series, Jazz in the Sanctuary at Fountain Street Church. She skillfully selects repertoire appropriate for various engagements whether it be setting an atmosphere for a private event or captivating audiences with her artful arrangements and vocals.
Dr. Sarah Simko, Young Organist
March 9, 2025 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Sarah Simko is the Associate Organist and Communications Coordinator at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit, Michigan. She is the Adjunct Faculty Instructor of Organ at Madonna University. A recent graduate of the University of Michigan, she received her Bachelors degree from the Eastman School of Music.
Dr. Simko has given recitals at such notable venues as Methuen Memorial Music Hall, Methuen, Massachusetts; St. Paul’s Cathedral (Anglican), London, Ontario, Canada; Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church, Detroit; the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Episcopal), Detroit; Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor; among others.
Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Group
April 27, 2025 4:00 p.m.
Founded in 1998, the Grand Haven based Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company is Michigan’s only year-round, touring, professional Shakespeare company. The company was started by Chicago area actor and director Frank Farrell, who appeared several times as guest artist with the Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival. The cast includes a group of West Michigan actors, including current executive director Katherine Mayberry. The company currently produces 4 mainstage plays per season, as well as numerous staged readings, performances of Shakespearean scenes, and educational programs.
Rob Hlebinsky
June 1, 2024 4:00 p.m.
Rob Hlebinsky is an organist and arranger who has a passion for the pipe organ and Disney, with a repertoire that includes a variety of both traditional and non-traditional pieces. A majority of Rob’s arranging work comes from live-action and animated blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean and Frozen.
Rob currently serves as organist and handbell director at First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven. He is also the accompanist for the Spring Lake choral department and music director for the school’s theater program.
