THE MUSIC AND WORSHIP MINISTRY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Preschool and Children's Music Groups:
These groups meet during the school year on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 6:45, and follow the same schedule (summer vacation, breaks, snow days, etc.) as the school system. All children (church members and non-members) are invited to join us. We have a great group of leaders, and use material that is age-appropriate, both musically and theologically. The following groups meet each week:
Music Friends: Ages 3 & 4
Melody Makers: Kindergarten & 1st grade
Music Makers
: Grades 2 & 3
Young Musicians: Grades 4-6
There are also Mission Groups for preschoolers and children, ages 3 – 6th grade, that meet from 6:45 – 7:30 each week.
Youth Worship and Praise Team:
This ministry for Grades 7 – 12 meets from 5:00 – 6:00 each Sunday during the school year. In addition to singing cutting-edge contemporary music, the focus of this group has been redefined and broadened to include more than singing – including skits, dance, signing, multimedia preparation and presentation, and other groups as interest and talent allow. This group prepares seasonal as well as non-seasonal presentations that are shared during Morning Worship Services.
Adult Music Ministries:
Worship Choir:
This group, which meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:45-8:00, presents special selections in Morning Worship Services, and also presents two or more major musical events each year. Styles include contemporary, traditional, and gospel music – all with the focus on glorifying God and a commitment to excellence, regardless of style.
Reflections Choir:
This group, for the "most mature" folks in our church who want to be a part of a music group, meets on the second and fourth Mondays at 10:00 from mid-August until June. Rehearsals are held weekly prior to Christmas and end-of-the-year presentations. In addition to singing, the group enjoys lots of fellowship and fun, including several after-rehearsal lunches and day trips.
Instruments in Praise:
This group, which is open to youth and adults, meets on the first and/or third Monday of each month from 5:00 – 6:30 and plays once a month or so in worship services and special events. If you play any musical instrument such as band instruments, drums, guitar, or keyboard, etc., you’re invited to join us!
“Southern Belles” Handbell Group:
This handbell group is open to adult women of all ages. The group does not meet on a weekly basis, but rehearses on an “as-needed” basis. The Southern Belles generally present a Christmas mini-concert and ring in other worship services. Those who participate in this group should have some experience in ringing in a handbell group or have good music reading skills. (This is preferred but not required.)
Keyboard Ensemble:
This ensemble is limited to eight members, and meets on an “as-needed” basis to prepare music for worship. Basic music reading skills are required.
For Non-Musicians:
In addition to all of the music groups, there are many ways that non-musicians can be a part of our Music and Worship Ministry. Opportunities include drama, signing, costuming, make-up, lighting, building sets and props, helping build the computer database in the Music Library, and creating PowerPoint presentations.
The Congregational Choir:
This is the largest choir in our church and sings each Sunday morning
. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this “choir.” Our worship style is "convergent" which means that many different worship styles (contemporary music and praise choruses as well as hymns and gospel songs) converge in one stream of worship. We use piano, organ, guitars, and keyboards to accompany our worship and also use the hymnal as well sing with PowerPoint lyrics. The goal of our Music Ministry is to honor God and to pursue excellence in everything we offer to Him, regardless of the style, and to do everything to His glory.
