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 >Music
AUMC Music Ministry
Make a joyful noise to the Lord!
The Music Ministry at Arapaho UMC proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ creatively through music, with opportunities to serve available for all ages. We offer children's choirs for grades Kindergarten through 6, youth choir for grades 7-12 and Chancel Choir for adults and youth, as well as our Glory Handbell Choir, and vocal and instrumental solos and ensembles. Fellowship, spiritual challenge, and outreach are important goals, but our main focus is to enrich and lead music in worship. Child care is available upon request, and all are welcome, with no auditions required. Prayer and praise, friendship and fun happen when people come together to make music and all find a home in this family of faith! With the Psalmist, we strive to make a joyful noise to the Lord!
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Fall for Music at Arapaho
Fall is a great time for new beginnings, so why not consider joining a choir? Singing, ringing, or playing instruments brings us closer to God and Jesus, brings new friends, strengthens our minds and hearts, and offers chances to give of our talents to God and Christ in worship and in the community. Music is fun but also requires work and dedication, encouraging discipline and teamwork. Sometimes, we sing special music offerings in worship with instruments. Other advantages of being in a choir are that we get to have a great place to sit for worship and have special robes to wear!
We have a terrific staff of volunteers who give much time and love in helping lead our music program. Children’s choir directors include Tina Harrison, Mary Jane Turnbow, and Rosa Howell. Joyce Patton directs Glory Bells, and Dr. Sheryl Sebo, our Music Minister, directs adult and youth choirs, with Louis Walker, our main organist/accompanist, and Betty Gardner as youth choir accompanist and coordinator of our new flute ensemble.
If you do not read music, we can help teach you, and there are no auditions or strict requirements. Just come with a willing heart to praise the Lord.
Chancel Choir has a retreat coming up August 23-24 at All Saints Retreat Center in Pottsboro — contact Sheryl right away if interested in joining us for the retreat.
Youth choir rehearsals begin Sunday, August 24, and children’s choir registration occurs August 24, as well, along with Sunday School registration.
Here are choir opportunities for the coming year:
• Chancel Choir (adults/youth) sings for 11:00 a.m. worship. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Courts of Praise (youth, grades 7-12) sings regularly in worship. Rehearsals are Sundays, from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., as scheduled.
• Children’s Choirs (grades K-6) sing several times a year in worship. Rehearsals are Sundays, 8:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m., beginning September 7. (Note new time.)
• Glory Bells (adults/youth) ring handbells regularly in worship. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., beginning after Labor Day.
• Instrumentalists are always encouraged and rehearse as needed, and soloists have regular chances to share their talents in worship.
Also, be thinking of a special way you might share in our Talent Show, Sunday November 2 at 7 p.m. This day also is All Saints Sunday and Music Ministry day in worship.
Please let us know of ways that Music Ministry can reach out and meet the church’s needs. This is a congregation that cares deeply about their faith through music. I am thankful every week for the chance to worship at Arapaho and make a joyful noise to the Lord!
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Chancel Choir
Rehearsals: Wednesday's at 7-8:30 pm
Open to adults and youth who desire to offer their talents of singing in worship leadership at the 11:00 service, special occasions include retreats that provide special times of fellowship, growth and preparation. Seasonally, this group performs special works, in concert or worship, and shares God's love through music with others in the community.
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Courts of Praise Youth Choir
Rehearsals: Sunday 3:30-4:30 pm
For youth in grades 7-12 who enjoy singing and having fun with music, they sing in varied styles of music, for Youth Sunday, in area youth choir festivals, and through outreach in the community. Their goal is to proclaim the love of God through Christ with music, both at home and beyond our local area. Rehearsal times may flex with other youth schedules, so always check bulletin announcements and the church calendar posted on the web for updates.
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Soloists and Instrumentalists:
If you can't find time to rehearse weekly, but can share their gifts once and awhile, we celebrate all who desire to give and to serve. Whatever your gift and passion, whether singing or playing an instrument, contact the Minister of Music to discuss ways to serve!
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Ensembles
Instrumental Ensembles are an exciting way to be involved in music ministry. Look for upcoming announcements of our Instrument Jams, as we explore avenues to reach out in faith and create new musical groups! If playing in a small band or orchestra has been your dream, we encourage you to share your voice through instrumental music.
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Handbells at Arapaho UMC
Rehearsals: Wednesday's 6:00-7:00 pm
Glory Bells is open to both adults and youth and directed by Joyce Patton. They provide music for worship, as well as contribute in anthems occasionally, participate in festivals and provide outreach to the community. They are open to new members and are eager to share the joy of ringing with others.
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Children's Choirs
Rehearsals: Sunday's 8:45-9:45 am
Children's Choirs at Arapaho UMC will begin a new season with both a new structure and new offerings! With able leadership of Tina Harrison, Mary Jane Turnbow and Rosa Howell, we will have two groups.
• Agape Singers, K-2nd grade
• Shalom Singers, 3rd-6th grade
Offering instruction weekly in singing, as well as handbells and chimes for the younger ages. Fellowship, fun, refreshments, and special music through the year are an ongoing part of this great program of learning to share the talents God have given our children, both in worship and beyond the church walls.
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