First UCC to host annual Celtic service March 15

The First United Church of Christ is celebrating their annual Celtic service March 15. Music begins at 10:45 a.m. with the service starting at 11:15 a.m. The church is located at 201 Fair Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.

Following the service, Irish stew will be available for $8. Kids meals also will be offered for those who wish to stay and socialize.

Amber Pottmeyer, pastoral assistant at the church, is looking forward to the event.

“The Celtic service has become an important tradition here at the First UCC,” Pottmeyer said. “There's a strong Irish heritage in the area and even those that may not share that heritage can enjoy the rich history the culture, both in music and its history with the church through St. Patrick and the other Saints from that area. We love the opportunity to delve into those aspects and to share it with the community.”

The service provides some unique traditions that distinguish this service from the ones they usually hold.

“There's certainly much more music. We find music to be an essential part of worship and always put an emphasis on it every Sunday, but we invite many soloists to share their talents at this service and this year,” Pottmeyer said. “We're even bolstering our choir by inviting Sacred Heart Catholic Church's Adult Choir to sing with us.”

Other featured musicians are Calvin Graham on bagpipes, Sarah Fouts on harp and organ, Laura Gray as our soprano soloist, Bart Herman on piano, and Amber Pottmeyer and Kayla Mae on flute.

The service incorporates much of the Celtic culture into the event.

“We've done work to make every aspect of the service to be something pulled from some Celtic tradition, new or old,” Pottmeyer said. “The prayers are ones written by St. Patrick himself, many from his famous prayer known as ‘St. Patrick's Breastplate.’ All of the music is from the Celtic tradition, and there's a brief history of all the pieces in the bulletin so people can learn where these pieces came from.”

The church is pleased with how the community has responded to the annual Celtic service over the years.

“The community has always been overwhelmingly positive about the Celtic service,” Pottmeyer said. “We have many people that make a special trip to our church just for this Sunday. Everyone has always been very gracious with their support of this tradition and we are so thankful.”

One experience stands out during the service.

“Honestly, it's fun to see people's reaction to hearing the bagpipes in person,” Pottmeyer said. “There aren't a lot of places to hear bagpipes being played, so it's a treat to hear them.”

The event services to bring the community together in joy. Everyone is invited to attend.

“We hope that people find this service uplifting,” Pottmeyer said. “This is a service that crosses denominations and every person that attends can get something from it.”

Recently, the church welcomed new pastor, Rev. Dan Grimminger. It will be his first time celebrating the Celtic service at First United Church of Christ.

For more information visit their Facebook page at First United Church of Christ, New Philadelphia, Ohio or their website at firstuccnp.com.