Music ministry at First-Centenary makes a bold statement.

It really does Break forth! Take a look at the wide variety and range of opportunities.

More than Performance

It is very encouraging and inspiring to experience the variety of music, the growth of our musicians and the deepening breadth and quality of music-making in the Music Ministry of our church. Through our children’s choirs (Cherub – 4 yr.-K, Celestial – 1st and 2nd, Carol – 3rd- 5th, Music Makers and Recorders) our kids not only learn about the basics of the musical language, but also about Christian service, spiritual formation, communication, teamwork, self-esteem, accuracy, perseverance, respect and they experience the joy and power of music. A tremendous amount is accomplished in the weekly 30-45 minute rehearsal! When there are so many other activities and choices, I am grateful that the parents of these young musicians are dedicated to their children’s participation. It’s more than performance.

Our youth singers and ringers in Cantad! and Covenant Ringers have been very faithful in their attendance at rehearsals and are most cooperative with asked to sing and ring. What great kids! Next fall we’ll be “going on the road”, singing at another church and a local assisted living facility. It’s more than performance.

Our adults in the Chancel Choir, Chancel Ringers and Aldersgate Vibrations are among the most dedicated and generous of our church members, giving countless hours of time for rehearsal, worship, and musical programs. The March 28 Songs of Life concert presented in memory of Jim Torrance was a highlight. I believe that all who participated and those who were present experienced the SPIRITUAL POWER of music to touch, heal, and to bring hope, comfort and joy. It is more than performance.

Our church is richly blessed with people and resources. I thank God for the countless expressions of love and appreciation for this music ministry. I am assured that it is ministry - which is much much more than performance!

The mainstay of the First-Centenary Music Ministry is our Chancel Choir. Some members have been active for more than 50 years! This marvelous choir sings just about every week in the 10:45 worship service, and is occasionally called into service at 8:30. Seasons of the church year may call for additional worship, and it is most often the Chancel Choir that provides ministry through music at these services. We have enjoyed musical collaborations with other choirs, have invited nationally known clinicians to direct workshops, and have commissioned new music from a few of our favorite composers.

Repertoire sung covers a wide spectrum, from global songs to major choral works. We have been accompanied by conga drums and orchestras. Membership is open to high school seniors through adult. You will find a very high level of commitment by our choir members, who take seriously their call to ministry through the Chancel Choir. Rehearsals are hard work, but we have many moments filled with laughter, and a genuine community of fellowship is nurtured among the membership with the weekly sharing of joys and concerns and a monthly birthday celebration.

Director Jan McNair challenges you to "break forth" and take part in helping to lead worship by committing your time and talent to this very stimulating and enjoyable opportunity.

Chancel Choir 12th grade - adult Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Covenant Ringers Youth Handbell Choir (6th-12th) meet Sundays at Noon beginning

Cantad! (6th-12th) - Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m.

First-Centenary plays with a 5 octave set of Malmark Handbells. We also own a 3 octave set of Schulmerich Handbells, and the choirs enjoy using the 3 octave set of handchimes with select handbell pieces.

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