First United Methodist Church musical message Christian Music

First United Methodist Church musical message

January 25, 2009 – 11:03 am

For 93 years, the First United Methodist Church building has stood at 909 Madison St.

To say there is a lot of history in those decades is an understatement, but the Rev. Tim Parrish, pastor at First United, wants to embrace the future, too.

“We’re such a small church, but we want to grow,” said Parrish, who has served as pastor at First United for about 16 months.

One avenue he thinks might nudge that growth is community outreach and connecting with families through a musical message.

First United is hosting the first performance in a coffeehouse concert series at 4 p.m. Sunday.

“This will be chance for adults and families to come listen to some uplifting spiritual music. There is a lot of talented singers and musicians in Clarksville who don’t have many Christian venues to showcase their skills and their message,” Parrish said.

The fellowship hall at First United will become a coffeehouse the fourth Sunday of each month, with live performances for people to enjoy. Coffee, hot chocolate and soft drinks will be served. The concerts will be free, but a love offering will be taken for performers.

Sunday’s inaugural coffeehouse performance will spotlight the vocal and musical talents of two Clarksville sisters: Lydia Walker and Rosa Walker Hart.

Lydia, 16, is a singer/songwriter who considers her music contemporary Christian folk. She spent the last couple of years establishing herself in local Christian music circles and has penned more than 80 songs and recorded five independent albums.

Rosa is the big sister and a junior at Austin Peay State University majoring in music. Rosa’s repertoire spans contemporary Christian to classical, and she has performed with the Austin Peay Chamber Singers.

Parrish said people attending Sunday can expect a small and intimate setting.

“We hope people will feel comfortable, enjoy and possibly revisit in the future. We plan to host these concerts the fourth Sunday of each month,” Parrish said.

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