FINE ARTS
2026-2027 CONCERT SERIES
New Season. New Experiences. Exceptional Music.
FINE ARTS CONCERT SERIES ORGAN FUNDRAISER CONCERT: ORGAN SPOOKTACULAR – PART II Wednesday, October 28 at 7:30pm Sanctuary No ticket required Join us for a hauntingly fun Halloween concert like no other, featuring the mighty pipe organ in all its ghostly glory! Whether you're a music lover, Halloween enthusiast, or just in it for the frightful fun, the Organ Spooktacular is sure to send shivers down your spine — in the best way possible. A love offering will be taken and all proceeds will support our organ re-leathering project.
HOLIDAY JAZZ ROOM Sunday, November 22, 5 – 7pm Fellowship Center Tickets: $10/adult, $5/child Jingle into the holidays with a special Holiday Jazz Room experience! This beloved concert tradition returns with the Jeff Phillips Trio bringing a fresh, jazzy twist to all your favorite holiday classics. Gather the family and settle in for an evening filled with great music, holiday cheer, a hot cocoa bar, and an assortment of festive treats. It’s the perfect way to slow down, celebrate the season, and make some merry memories together. Come experience the magic of the holidays with us in the Jazz Room!
THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 13 at 4pm & 7pm Sanctuary No ticket required – Suggested Donation of $10 Celebrate the season through an inspiring showcase of music that includes orchestra, handbells, and choirs of all ages, featuring the music of John Rutter. This festive performance brings together voices and instruments to share the beautiful sounds of the season. Join us for an uplifting celebration filled with beloved Christmas favorites and the timeless message of hope, peace, and joy.
CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAMBER PLAYERS Saturday, February 6 at 7:30pm Sanctuary Tickets: $10/person Back by popular demand, last year's talented Central Florida Chamber Players will return to play at First UMC Lakeland. Under the direction of Mark Thielen, professional string players from Central Florida — including Tampa, Orlando, Polk County, and Gainesville — will be performing classic selections including works by Grieg, Rutter, and Leonard Bernstein. Join us in the Sanctuary to experience the unmatched beauty of the string orchestra. This concert is sponsored by Boone Distributors.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO CONCERTS, PLEASE VISIT FIRSTUMC.ORG/CONCERT-SERIES
FINE ARTS SUNDAY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 8:15AM, 9:30AM & 11:00AM SERVICES Join us for a unique worship experience where creativity and faith come together in powerful expression. This special service celebrates the many ways God speaks through the arts. Come ready to see, hear, and feel the beauty of God’s presence through the talents He’s given His people. All are welcome!
DINNER THEATRE AND SILENT AUCTION: Caught in the Act Friday, March 5 at 6:30pm & Saturday, March 6 at 4:30pm Fellowship Center Tickets: $30/person Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in theatre? This fast-paced comedy follows a group of quirky actors putting together a local stage production complete with chaotic mishaps, ridiculous rumors, and mysterious secrets. Is there a murderer on the loose? What is the director hiding? Can they really get the show together by opening night? This backstabbingly funny backstage comedy will keep you on your toes till the very end. Friday’s 6:30 performance and Saturday’s 4:30 performance will both include dinner and a silent auction. This event is a fundraiser presented by the Handbell Ringers & Singers.
YOUTH & CHILDREN’S MUSICAL: Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. Friday, April 9 at 6pm & Saturday, April 10 at 3pm Fellowship Center Tickets: $10/adult, $5/child Dive into the big blue world as our own children and youth present this 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo. Join us as we follow Marlin and Nemo, who face their fears and set off on epic adventures across the ocean. With the help of some friends along the way, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.
HANDBELL RINGERS & SINGERS CONCERT Sunday, April 25 at 4pm Sanctuary No ticket required Experience the wonder and excitement of music brought to life through handbells, ChoirChimes, and voices! This talented ensemble combines singing and ringing to create a unique and captivating concert experience. With a variety of music and sounds to delight audiences of all ages, this performance promises to be an uplifting and memorable celebration of music.
Help support our 2026-2027 Fine Arts Series by becoming a Patron!
Patrons donating $100 or more will receive reserved seating for concerts taking place in the sanctuary and your name will appear in the Patron section of all concert programs. Three ways to donate: Scan the QR code Give online at: firstumc.org/concert-series Send your check payable to First UMC and marked “Fine Arts Series” directly to: First UMC Fine Arts Department 72 Lake Morton Dr. Lakeland, FL 33801