Music

Music ministry is an important aspect of worship at Christ United Methodist Church.  As the congregation has grown in size and spirit, so has the music program.  There are currently three singing choirs and a handbell choir that practice weekly from September through early June, and also an instrumental ensemble that participates in selected worship services throughout the year.  In addition, a special music Sunday School class instructs children in grades 1-6 in the proper use of handbell techniques (see Sunday School).  New members for any of the choirs are welcome at any time during the year.  It is not necessary to read music to join the vocal or handbell choirs.  All of our musical groups are volunteer organizations, and no auditions are necessary.

Cherub Choir

The Cherub Choir is for children that are in Kindergarten or younger.  They practice every Thursday at 6:15 pm, and share their musical selections with the congregation once a month at the 10:45 am worship service.  Because the children usually sing at the start of the worship service, they are then free to worship with their families or participate in the nursery program after they sing. Parents are encouraged to attend rehearsals with their children (we are informal).  The emphasis of this choir is on introducing Christian fellowship and fun through music. 

Junior Choir

The Junior Choir is for children that are in 1st grade through 6th grade.  They practice every Thursday at 6:45 pm and share their musical selections with the congregation once a month at the 10:45 am worship service.  The Junior Choir also performs at the 7:15 pm Christmas Eve service and in the Children's Musical Play. 

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is comprised of adults and teens that offer an anthem every Sunday from mid-September through mid-June at the 10:45 am worship service.  Anyone in 7th grade or older may participate.  Rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 8:00 pm.  In addition to performing on Sunday mornings, the Chancel Choir presents anthems at special services such as Thanksgiving Eve (an ecumenical service), Christmas Eve (11:00 pm service), Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday (a joint service with the Mountaintop Presbyterian Congregation).  Today, there are approximately      youth and adults currently participating in this choir, and new members are gladly welcomed.  Also, a special mission of the Chancel Choir is the annual "A Bit of Broadway" performance in May. Proceeds from this event are donated to a mission project named by the choir members. 

Instrumental Ensemble

The Instrumental Ensemble is for anyone that can play an instrument and performs at several 10:45 am services throughout the year.  This ensemble performs instrumental worship music.  Rehearsals are held on every other Thursday at 7:00 pm.  The Instrumental Ensemble also performs at special services.  The Instrumental Ensemble is directed by Jack Mainwaring.

Handbell Choir

The Handbell Choir is for anyone who can or is interested in playing hand bells at worship services.  Anyone in 7th grade or older may participate.  The Handbell Choir performs at several 10:45 am worship services thought the year as well as many special services.  The rehearsals are on Thursdays at 7:00 and are directed by David Lear. 

Special Events

Children's Musical Play

Each year in June, the Junior Choir presents a musical sermon at both the 8:30 and 10:45 am worship services.  Past productions have included "Barbecue for Ben" (a retelling of the parable of the prodigal son), "Oh, Jonah!", "The Rainbow Express", "Daniel's Dangerous Dilemma", and "It's Cool In the Furnace".  The children learn Bible stories, and also have the opportunity to participate more fully as worship leaders.  With the exception of 1 or 2 dress rehearsals, all preparations are made during regularly scheduled choir times.

A Bit of Broadway

This mission project began in May of 1997, and has quickly become a favorite yearly event of both the Chancel Choir and the congregation.  At "A Bit of Broadway," the members of the Chancel Choir present solos, duets, and choral medleys of Broadway tunes, movie themes, and other pop genres.  There is no admission charge for this production, but a freewill offering is collected and donated to a mission project selected by the choir.