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WORSHIP
MINISTRY
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"He appointed certain of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel." -- 1 Chronicles 16:4; NRSV
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Worship is a special ministry at GMVUMC. While most of our ministries focus on ministering to the needs of others in the name of Jesus, worship is our ministry directly to God, and we believe that God has given individuals within our congregation specific gifts and graces to lead us as we worship and minister to the Lord. There are many aspects of worship that require the commitment and service of numerous volunteers.
- Acolytes usher us into worship each week during our traditional worship experience by carrying in the Light of Christ, serving as the pastor's helpers during key times in worship, and by leading us back out into the world behind the Light of Christ at the conclusion of worship.
- The Altar Guild prepares the elements of the altar for worship by adorning it with flowers and paraments, maintaining the candles with oil, and creating a beautiful setting around the central point of our worship, the Cross.
- The Worship Ministry Team works to plan elements that will make worship services meaningul and relevant andthat will create a lasting transformational impact in the lives of worshippers.
- Communion Stewards provide the elements and prepare the Table of the Lord for Holy Communion.
- Communion servers share the special privilege of serving those whom the Lord Jesus invites to His Table.
For information on how you can serve a role in worship, email worship@gmvumc.org.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Music is an integral part of any worship experience. Time and again, the psalmist tells us to sing and shout to the Lord, "For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures for ever, and His faithfulness to all generations." Our musicians and worship teams work hard to provide musical experiences that stir our hearts to real, Spirit-filled worship and lead us as we lift our voices in praise. Whether in our regular weekly worship services or in special seasonal services and programs, our music ministry gives voice to the grateful thanks and praise we feel which mere words can hardly convey. Featuring a great diversity of musical styles, our various teams are composed of talented singers, instrumentalists, and worship leaders whose primary aim is to glorify God.
There is a place in our music ministry for you. Regardless of your skill level or experience, we have opportunties that will enable you to utilize your gifts and learn new skills. The list below details our music teams and gives information on how to get involved, including requirements and contact information.
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 | MUSIC MINISTRY |  |
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SonRise Praise Team
The SonRise Praise Team leads the worship at our 8:30 SonRise service each week and at other special occasions.
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The SonRise Team is an auditioned team of vocalists and instrumentalists who lead worship using a mixture of classic hymns, gospel songs, contemporary Christian music, and praise choruses to create a dynamic and exciting worship celebration that blends the various musical styles in which God's people offer praise.
In addition to being the leaders for the 8:30 SonRise Celebration every Sunday, the SonRise team also occasionally leads worship at our Sunday evening Body Building experience, at our annual Global Impact Celebration and other special services at the church. In addition, the team periodically goes out from the church to lead worship and to fellowship at the Jimmie Hale Mission, the Lovelady Center, Covenant Woods, and more. Basically, the group enjoys the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ in song and testimony when they get the chance.
The ensemble rehearses on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 in the Sanctuary, and its members are very committed to their service for the Lord. Participation is by audition. Interested singers, guitarists, drummers, et cetera should contact Bob Bradley, Director of Worship for more information about how to get involved.
Also, there is a need for sound and media system operators who will be committed to work with the team. Experience with equipment is a plus, but it is not required as we will train anyone who is committed and willing to learn. Again, for details, contact Bob Bradley.
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Crossfire Band
The Crossfire Band leads us in a high-energy worship celebration each Sunday at 9:45 in our contemporary worship experience called Crossfire.
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The Crossfire Band is a team of musicians who provide a diverse and energetic offering of today's most popular Christian music as they lead us in our worship. A commitment to excellence is evident in the group as they play and sing for the glory of an excellent God!
In addition to leading worship at the 9:45 Crossfire service, the band can also be found leading worship during special celebrations at our church and out in the community.
The band rehearses on Thursdays at 6:30 in the Family Ministries Building. Participation in the band for worship is by audition and by demonstration of commitment to the band, but interested parties are always welcomed to come and "jam" with the band at practice. Guitarists, bassists, drummers, singers, keyboardists are always great assets if they have a heart for worship, first and foremost.
Sound equipment and computer operators who will commit to work with the band "behind the scenes" are also welcomed. Experience is great, but it is not required, as we will work to train anyone who is committed and willing to learn and serve.
For more information or to get involved in this ministry, email worship@gmvumc.org.
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Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir gives musical leadership during our 11:00 Traditional Worship service each week.
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The Chancel Choir consists of roughly 30 individuals who lead worship during our traditional worship services. The choir sings a variety of music, ranging from classic choral music by Handel or Mozart to modern day arrangements of popular praise music and hymns.
In addition to leading in our 11:00 weekly service, the choir also presents special seasonal programs each year and participates in special celebrations such as our Global Impact Celebration and the annual Hanging of the Green.
No audition is required to participate, and participants do not have to be able to read music. The only requirement is a love of music and the fellowship that it brings, particularly in the context of worship. Choir members must be worshippers, first and foremost. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 in the choir room on the first floor of the Education Building. All are welcome.
For more information or to get connected to this ministry, contact Bob Bradley, Director of Worship.
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Men's Ensemble
The GMVUMC Men's Ensemble is an outreach of the Worship & Music ministries as the ensemble frequently travels to other churches and venues to share the gospel in song. They also assist in leading worship at the church on Sunday mornings and evenings on a regular basis and on special occasions.
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For about 15 years, the Men's Ensemble has been sharing their mininstry with people and congregations all over the area. They sing a mixture of styles with an emphasis on high-energy arrangements of hymns and gospel songs. Their musical program is diverse and powerful, and God has blessed the ensemble as the Spirit of God moves during the services led by these men as they stand for the faith. Their sharing in worship at our church is always a blessing and a highlight of the service.
The greatest benefit the men receive is the chance for fellowship among men of like mind and heart. We always welcome new singers. No audition is necessary, and no experience is required. We only require a heart for God and for reaching out in the name of Jesus through God's gift of music. For more information or to learn how you may join with us in this ministry, contact Bob Bradley, Director of Worship and director of the ensemble.
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Ladies' Ensemble
The Ladies' Ensemble is an extension of the Worship and Music Ministry. Comprised of roughly 15 women, the group shares their music ministry in worship several times throughout the year.
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Under the direction of Debbie Gray, the Ladies' Ensemble prepares and presents music during worship at various times throughout the year, particularly during the August Campmeeting and at the annual Hanging of the Green. On occasion, the ensemble has traveled with the Men's Ensemble to share their ministry with other churches.
Typically, the music they present is in 2 or 3 parts. The ensemble rehearses Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. Participation is open to all ladies regardless of experience. The ability to read music is not required. No audition is required.
If you are looking for a way to express your musical gifts in a more intimate ensemble, this may bethe place for you to serve.
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Youth Choir
The Youth Choir shares their ministry in worship several times throughout the year.
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Under the direction of Ginny Hughes, the Youth Choir is composed of youth in grades 6-12 who have a desire to use their musical gifts as part of their worship. They sing a variety of music, ranging from more formal choral music to energetic arrangements of modern praise and worship songs.
The young men and women in the group sing in 2, 3, and 4 parts, depending on the song they are learning. They rehearse Sundays at 4 during the school year in the choir room at the church. No audition is required, and music experience is not a prerequisite. All that is required is a heart for the Lord and a desire to give back to God through musical gifts.
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Worship Revolution -- Children's Choir
Worship Revolution is the name of our children's choir program as an extension of the Kids' Revolution Children's Ministry.
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There are two distinct ensembles in Worship Revolution: the preschool group and the school-age ensemble.
The school-age ensemble consists of children in grades 1-5 who practice on Wednesday evenings. Worship Revolution presents two special programs each year: a Christmas musical and a spring presentation which is sometimes a musical and sometimes just a concert. They also share their ministry in worship several other times throughout the year, and they are always a blessing.
Under the direction of Stacy Curl, the children of Worship Revolution are taught that they, too, are worship leaders when they stand before the congregation. They learn that singing for the Lord is a joy and a privilege. While having fun, they are also learning what it is to be reverent when they lead in worship.
All children are welcome to be part of Worship Revolution. See the Kids' Revolution page for a Wednesday night schedule.
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Worship Revolution -- Preschool Choir
Worship Revolution is the name of our children's choir program as an extension of the Kids' Revolution Children's Ministry.
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There are two distinct ensembles in Worship Revolution: the preschool group and the school-age ensemble.
The preschool ensemble consists of children ages 3-5 who practice on Wednesday evenings. Worship Revolution presents two special programs each year: a Christmas musical and a spring presentation which is sometimes a musical and sometimes just a concert. They also share their ministry in worship several other times throughout the year, and they are always a blessing. in 2010, the preschool ensemble actually presented their very own Christmas musical for the first time.
Under the supervision of Stacy Curl, Carrie Gilmore and Amy Sizemore teach the children of Worship Revolution that they, too, are worship leaders when they stand before the congregation. They learn that singing for the Lord is a joy and a privilege. While having fun, they are also learning what it is to be reverent when they lead in worship.
All children are welcome to be part of Worship Revolution. See the Kids' Revolution page for a Wednesday night schedule.
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