MUSIC MINISTRY AT CHRIST CHURCH
“Let everything that breaths praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)

Worship is truly our highest calling and privilege as Christians. Corporate worship is the central activity of the Body of Christ, and the only ministry, which unites the entire congregation. Music is a vital component of our corporate worship life at Christ Church.
The Music Ministry’s mission, “musical excellence with spiritual vitality,” encourages not only the highest musical standards, but also upholds the importance of incorporating prayer, fellowship and attention to the Scriptural texts as equally important components of our offerings. We support the development of each person’s God-given talents, and provide opportunities for Christians of various ages, style preferences and ability levels to offer their musical gifts to the Lord and one another in service.  

We encourage you to become a participant in the Music Ministry at Christ Church! Whether as an active member of the congregation, or as a regular or seasonal member of an ensemble, may the music offered in our sanctuary draw us ever closer to the Lord Jesus Christ, and emanate from our hearts as true worship “. . . in spirit and in truth.”

Our 7:45 a.m. Rite One Eucharist service is primarily spoken, with organ music during communion followed by a closing hymn.

The 9:00 a.m. Rite Two Eucharist family worship offers blended musical styles, and is primarily led by the Praise Band.

At 11:00 a.m., Rite One Eucharist (first/third Sundays) alternates with Morning Prayer (second Sundays, fourth Sundays followed by Eucharist at St. Ann’s Chapel); the Adult Choir, accompanied by the organ, leads traditional hymns and anthems.

A 5:00 p.m. Eucharist is led by Rev. Paul N. Walker, and is part of Christ Church’s Anglican College Ministry at the University of Virginia; music is led by Alex Mejias, and the service is followed by a dinner.  

Choral Evensong services take place on Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m. several times a year.

On Fridays in the month of May, we offer the Bach’s Lunch series, noontime concerts in our sanctuary. Lunch is available for purchase.

MUSIC MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

ADULT CHOIR: (Thurs., 7–9 p.m., Sun., 10:15 a.m.)  Open to senior high youth and adults, the choir leads congregational singing and sings anthems at the 11 a.m.  service and other special services throughout the year, such as Evensong, Lessons and Carols.  Regular or seasonal participation (for special services only) is welcome. Music reading is helpful, but not required.     
                                                         
CHERUBIM/SERAPHIM CHOIRS: (Thurs., 5:15-6:00 p.m.)   Children and youth in grades two through eight sing at the 9:00 service and occasionally at the 11:00 service.  In addition to learning how to become leaders in worship, Instruction in proper vocal technique is offered, and musical repertoire is chosen from a variety of styles. Choir chimes, handbells and percussion instruments are also played from time to time.

HANDBELL CHOIR: (Sunday, 6:00 p.m.) Seasonal handbell groups will be formed, requiring short-term commitments (4-6 weekly rehearsals) to prepare music for the 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., or special services.  Music reading can be easily learned through handbell ringing.    

PRAISE BAND: (Tuesdays, 7:15 - 8:45, Sun., 8:15 a.m.)  Combining vocalists, guitars, piano, bass and occasional percussion and other instruments, the Praise Band provides music for the 9 a.m. service.  The music is blended with a contemporary bent, using the Renew hymnal, more recent praise and worship music, as well as the Episcopal hymnal.  New members are welcome.  

5:00 PRAISE BAND:  A group of musicians affiliated with the Anglican College Ministry leads music at our 5 p.m.  Sunday service.  Their musical style includes contemporary arrangements of traditional hymns. Contact worship leader Alex Mejias for more information (awmejias@gmail.com).

OTHER MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS: The Bach’s Lunch Concert Series is held on Fridays at noon during the month of May.  There are also periodic choral evensongs and special services in conjunction with holy days in the church year.  A more comprehensive concert series is planned for the future.  Short-term classes in beginning folk guitar, hymnody, tune carrying, etc. are offered from time to time.

THE FUTURE: Christ Church has committed to the replacement of the current sanctuary organ with a restored instrument originally built by the E. and G. G. Hook Company in 1868.  Andover Organ Company of Methuen, Massachusetts will rebuild this three-manual, 39-stop instrument.  Installation is anticipated to begin in January 2009. 

To get involved in the music ministry, or for more information on any of the above, please contact David and Elizabeth Norfrey, Ministers of Music (293-2347, x 110) or davidneliz@ntelos.net.