Hope’s Young Musicians reach outside
the church to attendees at the Hart Plaza Ribs and Soul
Festival held in July 2004.
The
Music Department of Hope United Methodist Church has a manifold
mission:
1) to establish the highest order
of musical excellence in honor and glorification of God,
2)
to edify His children and lead others to a saving
knowledge
of Christ,
3) to enhance the overall ministry of
the church by providing choirs, directors, accompanists
and soloists
to help lead the congregation in a meaningful experience,
4)
to act as a vehicle of evangelism and a beacon light
in this community and beyond,
5) to offer diverse
cultural and
educational experiences through concerts, workshops,
training sessions and other activities for the
purpose of teaching
people how to praise God zealously, but according
to knowledge and understanding.
The Music Department sponsors an annual Christmas and
Easter Cantata, choir anniversaries, concerts for
special occasions
such as Black History Month and Spiritual Weekend.
In addition to these activities, the newly formed
Hope Institute
of
Music is the educational outlet for the Music Department,
in keeping
with an aspect of the mission statement.
Choirs at Hope
THE GOSPEL CHOIR (meets Thursdays at 7:30 pm)
THE VOICES OF HOPE (meets Thursdays at 7:30 pm)
MUSICA SACRAE (meets Tuesdays at 7:30 pm)
THE MALE CHORUS (meets Thursdays at 6:30 pm)
THE NEW MILLENIUM
CHOIR
THE CARLYLE F. STEWART CHILDREN’S CHOIR (meets Saturdays
at noon)
Components The Music Ministry is comprised of a staff of seven
musicians, five choirs, and two smaller vocal ensembles who
provide
music for regular Sunday services (on a rotating schedule),
as well as special programs at the church. Many of the choirs
also take part in musical programs at other churches, (musicals,
revivals, etc.) in addition to accompanying members of the
ministerial staff when they have outside speaking engagements.
During an average year the Music Ministry presents four to
six special concerts at the church.
Our Contribution To Church
Growth The Music Ministry has often been cited as the most important
component in the worship service other than the preached
word. It is certainly one of the most visible entities
and as such plays a vital role in drawing people to the
church.
The primary function of any ministry should be to lead
others to Christ. To that end the Music Ministry has infused
the
worship service with uplifting and spiritual music in an
effort to prepare the hearts of those in the congregation
for the spoken word of God. The choirs themselves increased
membership by nearly 60% over the past three years. It
is not unusual for people to join a choir_ before officially
joining the church itself.
