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 Eucharist, spoken, organ music during communion followed by a closing hymn
- 9:00 a.m. - Rite II Eucharist, variety of musical styles, led by Praise Band, Children’s and Handbell choirs, and organ
- 11:00 a.m. - Rite I Eucharist (first/third Sundays), Morning Prayer (second/fourth Sundays) followed by Eucharist at St. Anne’s Chapel); Adult Choir, accompanied by the organ, leads traditional hymns and anthems
- 5:00 p.m. - Anglican College Ministry Eucharist followed by dinner, music led by Alex Mejias
Other Music Ministry Offerings
Choral Evensong services take place on weeknight evenings at 7:00 p.m. a few 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. Occasional concerts during the year are also presented.
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: (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 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. 1-4): (Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m.) This choir sings at the 9:00 a.m. service once a month, currently on the 4th Sunday. 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. The children are introduced to hymnody by learning one well known traditional hymn each month, including the background of the text, author and composer and the musical elements. Choir chimes, handbells and percussion instruments are also incorporated into the curriculum.
Youth Choir (gr. 5-8): (Sun., 5:30-6:30 p.m.) This choir sings at the 9:00 a.m. service once a month, currently on the 2nd Sunday and occasionally at the 11:00 a.m. service. In this age group, the youth continue to take an active role in leading worship. Instruction in proper vocal technique is offered, and musical repertoire is chosen from a variety of styles. The group is introduced to hymnody by learning one well known traditional hymn each month, including the background of the text, author and composer and the musical elements. Those who play instruments are encouraged to accompany the choir. Handbells and guitar are also incorporated into the curriculum.
Handbell Choir: (Sunday, 6:30-7:30 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.
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.
For more information on any choir or the traditional music offerings, please contact Elizabeth or David Norfrey, Music Ministers (434.293.2347, ext 110) or davidneliz@christchurchcville.org
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 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 2009.