We
are a family of faith called to embrace and
celebrate the diversity of our community. We
strive to be the servants of Christ, sharing God's
grace and hope with the world.
Our
Bells
The
Murray Handbell Choir rehearses each Sunday evening from 5:15-6:15pm and the
Foster Handbell Choir rehearses each Monday evening from 7:00-8:00pm in the Choir Room. In addition to preparing music for worship, the choirs attend Handbell Festivals and play for retirement centers.
There is no greater joy in the world than music! By participating in the Music Program at Arlington Heights UMC, you may experience both the joy of music and the joy of service as you use your talents for God's glory. Our ministry strives to express the love of God through music. Won't you join us as we worship God in music?
A
Little History of Handbells ...
Handbells were invented in 17th century England when neighbors of bell towers tired of listening to long change-ringing rehearsals. Handbells permitted the rehearsals to take place in the spirited warmth of
pubs! Handbells were first brought to the United States around
1840 and were popularized by P. T. Barnum as a circus attraction.
After this, Handbell teams went into the Vaudeville circuit.
In the 1940's people began ringing Handbells
in American churches. They were first manufactured in the United States in the 1960's. Today there are over 10,000
Handbell choirs in North America.
