Celebrating Music Ministry

April 25th was the day our congregation made commitments to be involved in some area of ministry in the church through the Every Member in Ministry campaign.

Pictured here are members of our children’s choirs who are some of our youngest in ministry. These children have regularly attended Wednesday night rehearsals and have participated in worship with their choirs throughout the year. It was a wonderful 2009-2010 season!

Music Ministry
From classics to jazz, shaped note to contemporary gospel, the Music Ministry embraces many styles and ages.  Ministering through music in worship and striving to be a metropolitan presence in our community through concerts, traditional and alternative worship opportunities, our participants are eager to share what they experience as the spiritual power of music.

The Chancel Choir meets on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:00 p.m. (no rehearsals in July).
Under the direction of Janice McNair, Director of Music, the choir provides worship leadership at the 10:45 Sanctuary Service, as well as seasonal services and concerts throughout the year.   
Cantad! Youth Ensemble is for 6th grade through High School.  The singers practice on Wednesdays from 5:15 -6:00 p.m. from September through mid-May.

MUSIC FOR CHILDREN (September through April)
begins Wednesday, September 9!
Children ages 4yr – 5th grade
• Cherub Choir (4yr - Kindergarten)
• Celestial Choir (1st - 2nd)
• Carol Choir (3rd - 5th)

Dinner 5:15-5:45 Music at 6 p.m.
Begin with dinner in the First-Centenary Oak Street Center
(reservations necessary - foodrsvp@fcumc.org)
Move to Mohney Hall for music

Children can be picked up in the gym at 7 p.m.
Regular Wednesday rehearsals (September 16th forward) will end at 6:45 p.m. for Cherub and Celestial Choirs and 7 p.m. for Carol Choir.

The Cherub Choir (ages 4 yr.- Kindergarten) under the direction of Annabell Harr and Susan Farley, meets in Room 235. 
The Celestial Choir (1st-2nd grade) meets in Room 239 with Bobbie Howell and Sylvia Friedl. 
The Carol Choir (grades 3-5) meets in the Choir Room and is led by Jan McNair and Vallerie Greer.  This group not only sings, but plays the music makers and Orff Instruments.

First-Centenary is blessed to own 2 sets of handbells  and a 4 octave set of handchimes. 
We currently have two active handbell choirs.  The Chancel Ringers ring intermediate to advanced music. 
Directed by Jonathan McNair, they rehearse on Wednesdays from 6:15-7:15 in the Handbell Room (September – May). 
The Aldersgate Vibrations meet on Thursdays from 1:30-2:30.  This group occasionally participates in worship and also prepares programs to present at retirement homes.

Instrumentalists, Vocal Soloists, Pianists, Organists, Accompanists, and Song Leaders have an important part in our church’s music ministry.  If you would like to participate in any way, please contact Jan McNair -  jmcnair@fcumc.org or 756-2021.

Music Staff:
Janice McNair, Director of Music Ministries
Jonathan McNair, Music Assistant