At Second Church, we believe our entire lives should be acts of worship. But on Sundays we gather to worship together, to share God’s grace, to pray together, and to offer our communal praise. We observe the calendar of the liturgical year, and we direct our focus to the readings of the common lectionary. Our preaching, prayers, liturgy, and song are all intended to move our members to take the word of God to heart, and to receive the sacraments of God in preparation for our ministry to the world as we Live the Kingdom.

At Second Church, we strive to honor the musical traditions of all ages, and to employ music from all generations in our worship. We honor the legacy of ancient and classic hymns and anthems, while at the same time opening our traditions to include newer songs of worship and contemplation.

The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gordon Bruns, has a long-standing tradition of excellence in providing music for us as we worship God. Gordon carefully selects each musical peace and has even begun to blog about what goes into this process. If you would like to read his blog, visit Celestial Counterpoints. The choir sings the last three Sunday mornings of the month, and at special services such as Maundy Thursday, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. If you would like to share your musical talents, join the choir as it praises God!

Music for children is also important to us. Alisha Guy teaches music to our Children in Worship, so that they also have songs to sing in worship and praise. Our children sing each month and on special occasions.

The congregation has been blessed with a long history of gifted organists and fine organ music, and our members have a commitment to preserve and grow this legacy. Gordon Bruns currently heads this ministry as the church’s music director and organist. The pipe organ continues to play a prominent role in leading the congregation’s song and in inspiring the praise of God in organ preludes, voluntaries, and postludes.

In 1971, the church installed the Reuter Organ, a 24-rank, two-manual and pedal organ with a modified Baroque tonal design. An organ committee is now studying ways to restore and enhance the Reuter Organ so that it can continue in its historic and evolving role in our worship for future generations.

More contemporary songs are often led from the Steinway piano, and frequently include the support of additional instruments. Several members of the church offer their talents on a wide range of instruments, further enriching our worship of God. We welcome and encourage our members to share their talents in this way.

Second Church is also pleased to welcome guest artists into our midst, such as occasional solo instrumentalists and vocalists, and the regular visits by the Zeeland Madrigal Singers and the Holland Chorale. In all our music, God is glorified.