Education & Programs

Small Groups Meet Varied Interests Our small groups are available to all interested members and friends. Work Niters – This group of men meets several times a month to do repairs around the church. Contact: Kent Keutzer. kkeutzer@pubint.com Women’s Book Study – Different books are selected and the group changes based on the book being studied. Contact: Pastor Vickie. hadvl@comcast.net

Music Program
Our music ministry is a vital component of life for the people of Irving Park United Methodist Church. It is under the outstanding direction of Jason McKinney. Although some aspects of our worship life are traditional, we strive to match the diversity of our musical offerings to that of our community of faith. Much of what we share each week in congregational song can be found in The United Methodist Hymnal or The Faith We Sing; which is a denominational supplement to the hymnal comprised of many newly written songs and hymn texts for today’s church.

The Celebration Choir rehearses and participates in worship nine months of the year, preparing special anthems and leading service music. For more information and practice schedule see the Small Groups section of this site. Although the ability to read music is helpful, it is not required.

Vocal, instrumental and liturgical dance talents are all encouraged throughout the entire year and especially encouraged during the summer months when the Celebration Choir takes a break from their regular schedule.

Music from our children’s group is shared in worship on special occasions during the church year. Please watch for special updates on rehearsals and when they will be singing in worship.

Our sanctuary space is graced with two wonderful instruments to help enhance our worship experience. Our pipe organ is one of the finest organs in our area of Chicago. Originally designed and installed by Pel’s Organ of Grand Rapids, MI in 1962,, the organ features 3-manuals and a full pedal range. The loft behind the chancel is flanked on both sides by ranks or divisions or pipes which make up the sounds coming from the Swell on the left and Choir on the right. In total there are more than 1300 pipes between the two divisions that sound a variety of combinations that support congregational singing and provide the right setting for traditional and newer organ works for worship. We also have a beautiful Chickering baby grand piano in the sanctuary, as well as other pianos throughout the church.

Come join us by participating in our music program as a member of The Celebration Choir, as a guest soloist or musician, or by being a member of our congregational audience.

United Methodist Women is an organization of women who meet throughout the year to share programming and to support one another. We study together and work on behalf of missions locally and in the world.

Adults and young people together visit shut-ins, bringing short worship services and spending valuable time visiting.

Special week-day programs include book review and movie series, special crafts such as quilting and knitting, outreach ministry opportunities and more.

Occasional short-term learning opportunities are offered throughout the year. In the recent past topics have included: Conversations on Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience on Homosexuality; Gift-Oriented Ministry; and Lenten Discussions on “What’s So Amazing About Grace,” and “That You May Have Life.”