Worship and Music

Greetings!

Many aspects of the worship service are dependent on preliminary actions. Because the worship service flows so effortlessly, it may seem that no other help is needed from church members to produce an effective worship service. In fact the Worship and Music Team coordinates numerous service duties. Training sessions are regularly scheduled, so during the coming year, the Worship and Music Committee asks you to consider joining in and sharing your time and talent in one of the many areas this committee encompasses.
The more who contribute, the more meaningful and gratifying the work is for givers and the recipients.

Thanks be to God!
 

Altar Care, coordinated by Barbara Van Sickle, pertains to all of the banners, bulletins, altar paraments, flowers, candles, and communion materials. Barb quietly takes care of everything.

The Children’s Sermon, coordinated by Patrice Siravo, is a regular segment of the worship time during which a congregation member delivers a brief child-centered sermon based on one of the scriptures for the day.

Acolytes, coordinated by Gretta Williams and Heather Martinez, are responsible for various worship actions during the processional, recessional, and sacraments: lighting and extinguishing candles, assisting during communion and baptisms are examples. The age range for acolytes is from about 10 years old an up. Even adults are welcome to take part!
The Ushers, coordinated by Krsyti McGee, welcome and provide guidance for newcomers as they enter the Narthex, assist with traffic flow during communion, collect the offering and secure the building after the last service.

The Technical Team, is headed by John Nale, who steadfastly takes care of the sound during the service, makes sure that we have plenty of hearing devices for those who need them.

The Peace Singers, directed by John Maerhofer, is composed of people of all ages from teens onward. Additionally, we have a Youth Treble Choir and Chime Choir. All of the groups rehearse on Wednesday evenings during the school year. Additionally, Special Music, coordinated by John Maerhofer, is offered by many musicians from the congregation as well as the surrounding community. (A long-range goal is to develop an instrumental group using young musicians from the congregation who already play band or string instruments.)

During Children’s Time, the toddlers and younger children are escorted from the Sanctuary, so that they can enjoy age-appropriate activities related to the lessons of the day. The kids return during the Hymn of the Day and take part in the worship from that point to the end. Jill Fronck coordinates this ministry. Each facilitator coordinates materials for this wonderful enrichment activity. Several adults volunteer regularly for this meaningful activity.

Cantors, Assistant Ministers, Eucharistic Ministers, and Lectors, headed by Ginny Wolford, function throughout the service: Assistant ministers aid the Pastor in delivery of the service through the liturgy. Cantors sing the liturgy. Eucharistic Ministers assist during communion. Finally, Lectors read the lessons and guide the congregation through the Psalm and to the Gospel.

KOINONIA – MORE THAN JUST BIBLE STUDY 

FELL0WSHIP - - WORSHIP - - SERVICE - - NURTURE - - WITNESS - - FELLOW

We really do need each other. God has made us that way. We each have many kinds of relationships in our lives, interacting with others as a relative, a boss or a co-worker, or a fellow child of God, just to name a few. It is tough going it alone, even though independence may seem to be a sign of strength in our world. But how do we go about taking care of these relationships as fellow members of the Body of Christ? How can we show love and acceptance, care and compassion, support and forgiveness for each other, all things that characterized the Lord Jesus Christ when He walked the earth? 

KOINONIA: a word of Greek origin meaning fellowship. A difficult word to pronounce and spell, perhaps, but an opportunity to share our faith. As Pastor Charles Swindoll aptly writes, “When we sail through the waters of Christian truth, we can stay close to the shoreline where the currents are mild and the waves manageable, or we can venture out to sea where the currents are stronger and the personal risks greater. In Koinonia groups, we lift anchor and steer our ship into the potentially dangerous, yet rewarding waters of Christian fellowship. The voyage has its perils – most threatening of which will be personal sacrifice, commitment, and involvement in the lives of others. But such are the risks of genuine Christianity. If you are ready for an adventure, then grab your Bible and come aboard.”* 

If YOU hunger for more than an isolated relationship with Christ, if YOU want your faith to be shared and not just declared, Koinonia awaits YOU! There are currently two Koinonia groups who meet every other week: Koinonia Group #1 meets on alternating Sunday evenings at 6:30, rotating among the members’ homes; and Living Waters Koinonia Group meets on alternating Tuesday evenings at 7:00, rotating also among the members’ homes. For more information and specific schedule information, please contact Gail Endicott.  

* Excerpt from a sermon presented to Fullerton, California