Church Choir
One of the ways we can worship God is through singing.
Psalm 150 verse 6a says:
“Let everything that lives sing praises to God” (NLT).
Choir Practice commences on Thursday 10 September 2009 and new member will be made most welcome.
The purpose of the Church Choir is to lead the singing at Sunday morning services. The Choir also sings whilst the offering is being collected most weeks; often this is used as an opportunity to introduce the congregation to new songs. Over the past few years the Choir has made people familiar with songs such as “Speak, O Lord”, “My Heart is Filled With Thankfulness” and “The Power of the Cross”- songs which the congregation now sings in morning and evening services.
First Antrim has a big congregation and a large building – so we need more choir members!
How would I describe the average Choir member? Erm… I don’t think there is such a thing!
Basically you just need to be willing to spend some time practising and you need to be able to sing … a bit! If you’ve seen the recent blockbuster “Mamma Mia” you’ll have watched Pierce Brosnan demonstrate that enthusiasm will get you a long way!
Let me dispel some common myths about the Choir:
· You don’t have to be a brilliant singer.
· You don’t have to audition.
· You don’t have to sing on your own.
· You don’t have to be able to play an instrument.
· You don’t have to be able to read music…
You just have to be able to read the words and sing along with everyone else.
Choir practice is held on Thursday evenings, starting at 7.30pm in the Primary Room (at the back of the Church). We practise the hymns and songs for Sunday morning’s service and we also work on some new songs. The Choir sings special pieces at the annual Harvest Thanksgiving services, Carol Service and Easter Services, so we also practise music appropriate for these occasions. Practice lasts for approximately one and a half hours and there’s usually a bit of craic – it’s not like being back at school! It is enjoyable and I can guarantee that all newcomers will receive a warm welcome.
Several years ago First Antrim focused on “Celebrating Our Gifts”. Many of the people in the pews have been given the gift of singing – why not join the Choir and use your gift?
Singing at the Evening Services
What can you do if you want to sing but Thursday evenings don’t suit?
A small nucleus of singers leads the praise during the evening services and we’d love to see more people joining them – both men and women. They start practising at 6.15pm, before the evening service each week.
If you would like to become involved with either the Choir or the Singers at the evening services, speak to me- Alison Chestnutt, or use the “Contact Us” on the website.