Music Ministry
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 we offer together draw us ever closer to Jesus Christ, and emanate from our hearts as true worship “in spirit and in truth.”
Sunday Worship Services
- 7:45 a.m. – Rite I Holy Communion, spoken, organ music during communion followed by a closing hymn
- 9:00 a.m. – Rite II Holy Communion, variety of musical styles, led by Praise Band
- 11:00 a.m. - Rite I Holy Communion (first/third Sundays), Morning Prayer (second/fourth Sundays) followed by Holy Communion at St. Anne’s Chapel); Adult Choir, accompanied by the organ, leads traditional hymns and anthems
- 5:00 p.m. – Rite I Holy Communion followed by dinner, music led by Alex Mejias
Other Music Ministry Offerings
Choral Evensong services take place on special Sundays throughout the year, at 4pm. The next Choral Evensong is scheduled for April 5th, 2009 (Palm Sunday).
High Street Hymns
In April 2007, a team of musicians from Christ Church released this full-length album of hymns, a reflection of the worship provided at both the 9am and 5pm services. This recording features original musical settings to cherished texts found in the 1982 Hymnal, such as “Christ Whose Glory Fills The Skies” and “Praise My Soul The King of Heaven.”
For more on High Street Hymns or to download songs, visit the site.
Music Ministry Opportunities
Adult Choir: (Tues, 7:30–9 p.m., Sun, 10:30 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 Choral Evensongs and Lessons and Carols. Regular or seasonal participation (for special services only) is welcome. Music reading is helpful, but not required.
Children’s Choir (gr. 2-6): (Wed, 4-5 p.m.) This choir is currently scheduled to sing at the 11am service once a month, and at occasional special services. Rehearsals are a dynamic mix of activities focused around the anthems chosen for our performances. Children will develop their confidence in singing, their knowledge of music, their knowledge of the stories and teachings of the church, and will grow in their faith as we put our hearts into singing together. Christ Church is blessed with many musical instruments that the children will get to use– a wonderful 3-octave set of handchimes, a huge collection of percussion instruments, and a new grand piano in the sanctuary that will make our performances heavenly! The Junior Choir is an important part of worship, and children will be taught to feel their value as worship leaders.
Handbell Choir: (Tues, 6:30-7:30 p.m.) The handbell choir practices throughout the school year and performs at the 11am service and at special services. Music-reading is helpful but not a requirement for joining this group.
Short-term classes: Beginning folk guitar is offered from time to time, depending on interest.
Individual short-term assistance in carrying a tune, gaining confidence and freedom in singing is available by appointment.
Praise Band: (Tues, 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 more recent worship music as well as the Episcopal hymnal. Contact worship leader Alex Mejias for more information (awmejias@gmail.com).
5PM Service Band: The musical style of the 5pm service includes contemporary arrangements of traditional hymns. Contact worship leader Alex Mejias for more information (awmejias@gmail.com).
The Carillon: This beautiful instrument of 23 bells is played weekly and on special occasions by Clair Holland and Clair Robison. The carillon was built by Gillett and Johnson, Ltd. of Croydon, England, and was a gift from William James Rucker in memory of his wife, Sadie Woods Rucker, in 1947. It serves as a special musical witness to the downtown area.
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 sometime in 2011.