“The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” (Thomas Watson 1620-1686) We believe that worship is central to the life and ministry of the church, and that our entire purpose for living is found in a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.
At First Presbyterian, it is our desire to create moments of eternal significance through artistic excellence and authentic expression as we gather to corporately worship our great God. As stewards of the creative gifts given to us by Him, we believe that He deserves our very best offering in worship. King David said, “I will not sacrifice that which costs me nothing.” As people who are recipients of the greatest sacrifice ever given, Jesus Christ’s life outpoured for all mankind on the cross, we are compelled to strive for spiritual and creative excellence in our worship arts ministries.
We offer a variety of ministries for anyone to desires to serve God with their creative and artistic gifts. Please contact Bryan Harden for additional details. bharden@firstpresge.org
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Worship Band
Instrumentalists use their gifts in our 9:00am contemporary service on Sunday mornings. This service is rhythm section “driven” and also incorporates additional instrumentation throughtout the year. Audition required.
Rehearsal: Tuesdays 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Sanctuary
Contact: Bryan Harden, bharden@firstpresge.org
Worship Vocals
Our worship team singers participate on a rotating schedule, and lead the congregation in corporate singing in our 9:00am contemporary service. Audition required.
Rehearsal: Tuesdays 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Sanctuary
Contact: Bryan Harden, bharden@firstpresge.org
Praise Choir
This upbeat and energetic praise choir participates in worship throughout the year, and offers a larger vocal sound to our contemporary worship team. No audition required… just a desire to sing for the Lord, with a willingness to develop and mature in your musical and vocal ability.
Rehearsal: Tuesdays 7:00pm-9:00pm as scheduled
Location: Sancutary
Contact: Bryan Harden, bharden@firstpresge.org
FishBand
Our student worship band and vocalists occasionally participate in our worship services throughout the year. Although this is a non-auditioned group, some prior instrumental or vocal training is suggested.
Rehearsals: As scheduled
Location: Sanctuary
Contact: Meg Riley, ccriley@wowway.com
TRADITIONAL WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Santuary Choir
Our sanctuary choir presents classical and sacred repertoire in our weekly 11:15am worship service. No audition required…just a desire to sing for the Lord, with a willingness to develop and mature in your musical and vocal ability.
Rehearsals: Thursdays 7:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Choir Room
Contact: Paul Drennan, Pedwind@aol.com
Sanctuary Handbell Choir
Our handbell choir presents instrumental selections throughout the year in our 11:15am worship service. This group is open to youth and adults, regardless of experience. No audition required.
Rehearsals: Thursdays 6:00pm-7:30pm
Location: Choir Room
Contact: Kerri Andersen, kerridon@sbcglobal.net
Sanctuary Orchestra
Our orchestra is open to students and adults. They participate in our 11:15am worship service two times per semester, and smaller instrumental ensembles such as brass, woodwinds, or strings, occasionally participate in worship as scheduled. Some ability and prior musical training required. Audition required for anyone interested in solo instrumental opportunities.
Rehearsals: Sundays 4:00pm-6:00pm (every other month)
Location: Sanctuary
Contact: Bryan Harden, bharden@firstpresge.org
ADDITIONAL WORSHIP ARTS MINISTRIES
Children’s Ministry
In collaboration with our First Pres Children’s Ministries, our “Rays of Light” offer a joy-filled experience in our worship services throughout the year. Ages pre-school through grade 5, the kids gather every Sunday morning as part of the Sunday morning “Village” and learn songs that they present in our worship services every other month. Incorporation of rhythm instruments and chimes are also occasionally included in this music program.
Rehearsals: Sundays 10:05am-10:20am
Location: Choir Room
Contact: Karen Felker
MEDIA
Media technicians provide visual support for our worship services. Time commitment is generally one Sunday a month. No experience necessary. Training is provided.
Worship Services: 9:00am and 11:15am
Location: Sanctuary
Contact: Bryan Harden, bharden@firstpresge.org
SOUND
Sound technicians provide support for our worship services. Time commitment is generally one Sunday a month. Some experience preferred, but not necessary. Training provided.
Worship Services: 9:00am and 11:15am
Location: Sanctuary
Contact: Bryan Harden, bharden@firstpresge.org
WORSHIP ARTS ADMINISTRATION
There are opportunities “behind the scenes” for those who have a desire to serve in the worship arts ministry with their organizational and administrative gifts. We have an extensive library of choral, orchestral, and student music that is continually being updated and catalogued. Seasonal concerts and special worship services oftentimes also require additional administrative support.
Contact: Bryan Harden, bhardenfirstpresge.org
VISUAL ARTS
Worship at FPGE incorporates visual elements such as banners, original artwork, photography, computer graphics, sanctuary decorations, and seasonal visual displays. Anyone with a desire to share their artistic gifts are encouraged to participate. Set up/install crews are also a needed and valued part of this ministry throughout the year.
Contact: Bryan Harden, bharden@firstpresge.org
LITURGICAL DANCE
Worship through movement and dance are endorsed and celebrated in Scripture, and we have occasional opportunities for this ministry in worship.
Contact: Melody Mathieu, melodymathieu@comcast.net
Worship Arts Staff
Bryan Harden-Director of Worship Arts Ministries
Mary Smith-Traditional Worship Associate/Organist
Kerri Andersen-Traditional Worship Associate/Handbells
Paul Drennan-Traditional Worship Associate/Choral Music
Shari Jensen-Traditional Worship Associate/Instrumental Music
Bill Crosby-Contemporary Worship Associate/Tech Support and Music
Curt Cohoon-Contemporary Worship Associate/Music
Meg Riley-Contemporary Worship Associate/Student Music
Karen Felker-Worship Associate/Childrens Music
Sheila North-Worship Associate/Childrens Music
Dan Minkus-Worship Associate/Media Ministry
Nathan Chaney-Worship Associate/Media Ministry
Bob Clauss-Worship Ministries Elder