Worship
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Worship Services
If you are looking for a vibrant, spirit-filled service with a relevant message and strong musical heritage, then the 10:45 a.m. service in our architecturally stunning Sanctuary will nourish your soul. The 10:45 service is held in-person and streamed online via YouTube.
We also have a contemporary worship experience called Upstream that convenes over Zoom on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Here you’ll find Bible study and round table discussion, contemporary music and artistic expression in a casual, congenial atmosphere.
Worship
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Music
Music is an integral part of the life of First United Methodist Church. The Chancel Choir, led by Music Director Mark Shaull, and Diane Keller playing the Merritt Speidel organ feature in every Sunday service. In addition, FUMC has a chamber ensemble, Fiume di Musica, that plays regularly.
Fiume di Musica
This chamber music ensemble plays frequently at Sunday worship services and its musicians also perform at our Salons. The ensemble is led by Alan Cooper (violin) and Julianne Stafford (oboe/English horn) and also features Nancy Whitecar (piano), John Whitecar (bass), Mimi Carlson (flute), and Florence Wong (violin/viola).
Chancel Choir
The FUMC Chancel Choir, led by Music Director Mark Shaull, sings on Sundays and at special services such as Christmas Eve. Their repertoire includes classical Christian music as well as pieces by contemporary composers, with parts for sopranos, altos, tenors and baritones.
If you are interested in joining the choir, contact the church office at info@firstpaloalto.com.
Mark Shaull, Director of Music
Mark has been Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto since 1995. Prior to coming to First Palo Alto, he held Director of Music positions at Bethel Lutheran Church of Cupertino and Immanuel Lutheran Church of Los Altos.
He holds a B.A. degree from San Jose State University, where he also has completed graduate studies. Mark previously was Director of Choral Activities and Performing Department Coordinator at Los Altos High School, directing The Main Street Singers and five other choral ensembles on campus. Under his direction Los Altos High School choral ensembles achieved a truly international reputation, having traveled to 47 countries on six continents.
Diane Keller, Organist
Diane is a native of Tucson, Arizona. She holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Organ Performance and Pedagogy from Brigham Young University. Her musical career has included serving as a Guest Organist at the Salt Lake Tabernacle from 1994-2012, teaching piano and organ lessons both privately and in groups, and teaching preschool music classes.
As an active member of the American Guild of Organists, she has served on the board of the San Jose Chapter for many years, including serving as Dean from 2011-2013.
Diane and her husband have lived in the Bay Area since 1999 and are the parents of three children. Diane joined us as organist in January 2015.
Merritt C. Speidel Memorial Organ
The Merritt C. Speidel Memorial Organ, recently extensively renovated and enhanced, occupies a unique niche as one of the largest organs in the Bay Area, with more than 6,300 pipes. Named for Merritt C. Speidel, the principal donor, it was installed in 1963 when the new sanctuary was constructed. The organ is capable of satisfying the requirements of all liturgical and concert literature. It also can render 19th and 20th century organ literature with distinctive flair and fidelity. It is joined in the chancel section of the Sanctuary by a Bosendorfer grand piano.