❄ Fall/Winter Newsletter ❄

Upcoming Concerts

Bells In Motion is so excited to be able to perform live concerts with an audience this holiday season. Not only have we missed playing together, but we have missed seeing all of you enjoy our music. So mark your calendars now for our first LIVE concert in two years!

**In accordance with state mandates, masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status**

FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN

Every year, for as long as I can remember, Moody Bible Institute would perform Handel’s Messiah in November. When I was a freshman there, The Messiah took on a whole new meaning for me. Now some might think that I’m referring to a spiritual message, but alas, I am not. I am referring to the fact that we, the music majors, were not only learning the entire Messiah, but we were also preparing for Candlelight Carols, The Friday Night Sing, finals and music juries, as well as auditions for solo spots to be performed during the Spring semester. Now don’t get me wrong, I chose music because I LOVE IT. I was prepared to do it 24/7….and in college, they took that literally!

After graduating with a degree in Organ Performance, I became interested in subbing for various church services. About 10 years later all the Evangelical churches (Bible, Baptist, Evangelical, etc.) started turning to contemporary Christian music. As an organist, that led me to start visiting the more liturgical churches (Episcopal, Lutheran, etc.) As I would be leading the liturgy, I would wonder to myself, “How can God even reach someone during these rituals?”

About that same time The New Young Messiah was first released. It brought together big name Christian artists such as: BeBe & CeCe Winans, Amy Grant, Phil Keaggy, Steve Green, Michael W. Smith, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, Wayne Watson. It brought together Handel’s Baroque style with a contemporary beat of the 1990s. It helped introduce Baroque style to those that love rock ‘n roll. I thought it was delightful. However, my true classical-lover friends thought it was offensive. “How could they ruin something SO sacred?”

I now have an answer to both those questions! One Sunday morning I was really struggling to get my head into the proper worship mentality... I was feeling down; the weather was gloomy; I was discouraged; I was tired (and it was a very early service); I did not want to be around people. But I proceeded to the church knowing that I had made a commitment and would follow it through regardless of how “I” was feeling. As I was playing the liturgy for this Lutheran service, my eyes began to water and my heart began to cry out to God. And that was the moment that I realized that GOD can and does use anything (rituals) and anyone (sinners) to reach hurting souls.

So the next time you are witnessing something new, make sure to converse with God to see if He is using it to reach an “unreachable”.

Behind the Scenes: Meet Hope Erikson

Hope is the newest ringer to join Bells In Motion.

I am from Winfield Illinois. I’ve been married to my husband, Blake, for 14 years. We have a 3 year old daughter, Genevieve, a 6 year old son, Gunnar. We also have 2 dogs; Adie and Lucy. I started out playing the oboe and piano and that is where my music journey begins. I love to read, listen to most any kind of music, go for walks and spend time with my family.

How long have you been ringing bells and how did you get started?

I started ringing chimes at my church when I was young (don’t remember what age, lol) and graduated up to handbells.

What piqued your interest in Bells In Motion that resulted in your decision to join the group?

I love the different kinds of music they play. I’ve mostly only played church music so it’s a really nice change to play more contemporary or jazz pieces.

Do you have a preference on which bells you play and why?

What is a favorite piece you have rung and why is it your favorite?

To be honest I’ve played so many songs I don’t think I have a favorite. I do though love Christmas music the best.

Do you have a special memory about playing bells?
No special memory but it’s just so fun to hang out with your friends, make jokes, play music and have fun. It’s always a good time.

WE ARE LIVE!

Bells in Motion is back to performing live concerts. We are always looking for new places to perform throughout the Midwest. Check out our website or e-mail us to book your concert today!

Bells In Motion is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and relies on the generosity of our loyal fans to help pay for both on going and one time expenses.

Like many nonprofits, Bells In Motion continues to experience the financial impacts of COVID 19. Your continued support is more important now than ever.

Visit our website and click on Support Bells In Motion for more information. You can also make a donation directly through Paypal. We are eligible for most employer gift matching programs.

All contributions to Bells In Motion are fully deductible for federal tax purposes.

Other ways to support Bells In Motion

Did you know you can donate to Bells In Motion every time you shop on Amazon? Just go to Amazon Smile and designate Bells In Motion as your charity. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your total purchase to Bells In Motion.

For other online shopping use iGive to support Bells In Motion. You can shop at over 1900 stores and support us at the same time.

Do you like handbells?
Do you like jazz?
Do you like having fun?
Do you like glitter?*
Can you read music?

Then consider joining Bells In Motion!
Email kc@bellsinmotion.org for more information and audition requirements.

*Liking glitter is not a mandatory requirement of group membership

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