At Good Shepherd, Worship Arts are an integral part of our worship and how we praise God. A Worship Arts Ministry utilizes various creative art forms to express worship. It aims to engage the congregation, foster a deeper connection with God, and provide avenues of expression within the context of a faith community.
Whatever your gifts, talents and passions, there is a place for you!
Praise God Through Song
Music is an important part of how the congregation enhances our understanding of scripture and the weekly message. We have many opportunities to use your musical gifts, both as a beginner and as a trained musician!
The Celebration Choir is a much beloved group with a long history at Good Shepherd; practicing weekly and offering frequent special music, as well as special musical offerings during seasons such as Advent. If you like to lift up your voice in song, they’d love to have you! Over the summer, the Celebration Choir will meet periodically. Full Wednesday rehearsals will resume in September. If you would prefer to make a shorter term commitment, your gifts would be appreciated in the Cantata Choir when we are preparing a substantial musical offering!
Song Leaders are volunteers that offer their gifts by providing musical support in leading hymns during Sunday worship, special events, and memorial services. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve if you love music, but are unable to meet weekly for choir!
We also have numerous special choral groups that perform on select Sundays, including the Men’s Quartet, Grace Note Women’s Quartet, Grace and Glory Treble Ensemble and the Gospel Truth Bass Ensemble.
Instrumentalist Ensembles
The Celebration Ringers is our handbell group that play several times a year and during special seasons; this group is open to eighth graders and above who have music-reading ability.
Our House Band frequently accompanies the Celebration Choir! We welcome all musicians and can arrange music to meet your abilities.
The Ukulele Ensemble is open to beginners age third grade and above that have an interest in learning how to play the ukulele! We are beginning a second session of Ukulele Ensemble on Tuesday, October 14.
Hymn Jam is a group of high school and adult instrumentalists – guitar, bass, drums, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and non-traditional instruments – that will play on a chosen Sunday. Music will be arranged for the level of the player; all levels will be treasured. Our next hymn jam rehearsal session will begin on Tuesday, October 21.
Music Across All Ages
Good Shepherd loves children participating in worship, and one way they can praise God is through offering their musical gifts! The Children’s Choirs offer music select Sundays and a program during the Advent season. The Musical Minis are open to age three through second grade and the Melody Makers are open to grade three through eight. Rehearsals resume September 21 after worship as we prepare for our seasonal musical: “Sounds of the Season”, written for Good Shepherd by Director Elizabeth!
Many Worship Arts groups are open to third grade and above, including the Happy Hearts Clown Troupe and the Signs of Love ASL ensemble. Additionally, if a child plays an instrument and would like to perform in worship, Elizabeth would love to speak with them!
Additional Worship Arts Opportunities
The Happy Hearts Clown Troup Ministry is a new thing at Good Shepherd, with an initial interest meeting after worship on August 24. Participants age 9 and above are invited to share God’s love through the joy and laughter of clowning!
The Signs of Love American Sign Language Ensemble will perform on select Sundays and is open to grades three through adult.
For those who love to praise God through their speaking, we have opportunities for you! The Drama Ensemble (high school and adult actors) and the Readers Theater (high school and adult proclaimers) will perform on certain Sundays.
With any questions, e-mail Director of Worship Arts, Elizabeth.
The Mid-Week Announcements also include weekly updates on the Worship Arts Ministry.