Music and Worship Ministry

In churches today, the subject of worship has become a major topic of discussion and sometimes dissent. Typically the discussions will focus on style and may never address the deeper issue of defining what true worship is.

According to the Webster’s Dictionary, worship is “to adore; to pay divine honor to...” Worship by definition is all about the object of our adoration, namely God.  Worship by Biblical definition is to have an encounter with God where we acknowledge him for who He is and see ourselves for who we are. It is allowing ourselves to experience God so we can reflect His character to the world.  Just as Moses’ face reflected God’s glory when He descended Mount Sinai (Exodus 33:18 - 34:35), our lives should be visibly different after each encounter with God.  Our goal in Sunday worship and through every ministry in the music program is to provide ministry that focuses on encountering God and on changing our lives.

Music and Worship Ministry Staff                                                       For Information on this year's
Jonathan Aragón - Minister of Music and Worship                        Christmas Pageant, click the image above
Brian James - Associate Minister of Music and Worship

Worship Choir: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM

This is our main choir for Sunday morning services.  The choir is open to college students through adults and its primary focus of ministry is to lead the congregation in corporate worship.  Rehearsals focus on spiritual development and fellowship as well as musical training.  It is the goal of the choir to sing not only with musical proficiency but with a heartfelt understanding of worship.

Seasonal performances include our Easter concert and Living Lord Supper, Patriotic Musicals, Community Carol Sing, and our annual Christmas pageant featuring set designs by Peter Wolf.  These and other choir performances occur throughout the year for the purpose of reaching out to the community with the message of Christ.

Orchestra: Sundays at 8:00 AM

Our orchestra ministry began in September of 1999 and has grown to 26 players. This group plays for Sunday morning worship and for seasonal concerts/programs such as Christmas, Easter and the Fourth of July.  The orchestra is composed of instrumentalists from eighth grade to adult and includes a 7 member rhythm section.  Membership is by audition and rehearsals are Sundays, before Bible study from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Youth Ensemble: Sundays at 4:00 PM
Director: Brian James
Accompanist: Becky Robbins

This group of students from 7^th through 12^th grade sings a variety of music ranging from youth praise songs to six-part vocal arrangements that are very challenging.  In addition to leading in worship on Sunday morning from time to time, this group also tours with the youth choir.  Participation in youth choir is required to audition.

Youth Choir: Sundays at 5:00 PM
Director: Jonathan Aragón
Accompanist: Becky Robbins

Mission Trips, Musicals and Choir tours are all part of the ministry opportunities through Youth Choir.  No audition is required, and all seventh through twelfth graders are welcome to join.  Last summer we toured South, Florida and presented the musical, The Cottonpatch Gospel while assisting East Side Baptist Church with a sports-camp/VBS.  The choir has also toured Rio Bravo, Mexico, the Riverwalk in San Antonio, and West Texas where we sang in Palo Duro Canyon on the stage of the play, TEXAS.  Future plans include presenting the musicals Godspelland Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

No audition is required to participate, and all 7^th – 12^th graders are welcome to join.  Youth Choir meets Sundays at 5:00 PM during the Fall, Spring and Summer.

Children’s Choirs: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
Director: Mary Helen Atkins

Music is such an integral part of worship that we begin music training early.  The children’s choir program begins with our preschool choir for ages 3 through kindergarten and then continues with choirs for first through sixth grade.

Through music children can learn how to express their love for God.  They can learn what worship is and can experience if for themselves as they are given opportunities to lead in worship.  The choirs usually present a Spring and Christmas musical each year.

Handbells: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
Director: Dr. C. Ed Spann

The Handbell ministry provides a unique opportunity to develop a closely-knit team of worship leaders.  Handbell choirs depend heavily on each part to create a whole piece of music.  Musical skills and friendships are developed as the group strives create unity through the diversity of individual bells.  The group consists of 10-12 ringers and meets on Wednesdays at 6 PM.

Puppets: Sundays at 4:00 PM
 

Puppet ministry is a tremendous way to communicate the gospel to children. Through stories and music, truths can be expressed in a way that anyone can understand.  Our puppet team is open to youth grades 7^th – 12^th.

Sign Language Choir: Mondays at 7:00 PM
Director: Lisa McLeroy
 

Sign language classes, interpretation for worship and signing for the worship choir are all aspects of our sign ministry. Participation is open to all interested in learning or leading.