Music Ministry
Music is fundamental and essential to any worship service since it helps guide the congregation through the service. Music enhances any worship service by calming melodies and soulful lyrics. It encourages our faith and reaches the depths of our beings. It touches the listener as well as the musician and guides each as a faithful participant in the worship of the Lord. Music sets the tone for worship in any church service.
At YMPC, the music ministry is ever-evolving to offer a variety of styles – traditional with a touch of contemporary – to enlighten worshipers, challenge their senses, and exalt Jesus Christ through music of worship, of praise, and of redemption.
The Bridge Worship Service uses the music of the contemporary song writers and composers performed by a praise band and singers. Many of the songs are new or re-mastered versions of old hymns of the church.
The Traditional Worship Service follows the traditional worship hymns of the church with piano/organ and Sanctuary Choir leading the service.
The Sanctuary Choir
Meets Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. to learn and rehearse anthems and special music for worship services. Special music programs include:
- Morning worship at the 11:00 traditional service
- Service of Lessons and Carols during Advent featuring music by the choir, soloists, and ensembles
- Advent Vespers Services, a liturgical service of scripture, prayer, and music
- Good Friday Tenebrae Service of Darkness
- Men's and Women's Ensembles in summer and on special occasions
Bells of Praise
Adult handbell Choir meets Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.; presents special music during worship services and special programs such as Service of Lessons and Carols and Tenebrae Service.
The Adult Handbell Choir also has performed at the Festival of Lights at the Montgomery Zoo, Montgomery Symphony Holiday Pops concert, and The Community Church in Beatrice.
Youth Choir
Sixth-12th graders assist with various anthems and special programs, especially at Christmas and during Holy Week prior to Easter. The Youth Choir rehearses Sundays at 4:30 p.m.
Youth Handbell Choir
Fourth -12th graders rehearse Wednesdays in the Sanctuary from 5:15 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. No previous musical experience is needed, but it is helpful. We are always looking for new ringers.
Praise Band
A praise band provides worship music for our Bridge Service, offering a more contemporary style of music to guide congregants in worship. Guitar, drums and keyboards are used to offer a different style accompaniment for praise music. This group rehearses Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and is directed by Grant Harbin of Rush of Fools.
Music Rehearsal Schedule
Youth Choir -- Sundays, 4:30 p.m., Choir Room
Youth Handbell Choir -- Wednesdays, 5:15 p.m., Sanctuary
Sanctuary Choir -- Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., Choir Room
Praise Band -- Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Bells of Praise Adult Handbell Choir -- Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Contacts:
Michael Wutzke, Director of Music and Worship, 244-1385 or mwutzke@ympca.org
Grant Harbin, Praise Band director, (256) 566-5690 or grant@rushoffools.com