Praise Ministry
There are many opportunities to be involved in music at Messiah. From the youngest to the oldest, all members of Messiah are invited and encouraged to share their musical gifts with the congregation. Music is one way to glorify God during worship.
Messiah offers a blended worship format with a wide range of music. All worship services include vocal praise teams and musicians. Each weekend's music complements the sermon theme and comes from current popular Christian music by such artists as Michael W. Smith, The Newsboys, and Robin Mark, as well as traditional hymns from Lutheran hymnals and new arrangements of hymn favorites created for praise singing which have a more upbeat tempo.
Messiah is blessed to have four vocal praise teams, which sing once a month. Each team meets on Tuesdays (7:00 p.m.), prior to their scheduled weekend, committing to sing for all three services on their weekend. Substitutes are always in demand; and new members are always encouraged to get involved. Our, "There's always room for one more," motto keeps the groups fresh and allows anyone interested in being involved in music the opportunity to do so.
Instrumentally, Messiah is blessed with many pianists and organists who rotate as their schedules permit. We do have other instruments who join us for worship weekly, but we are ALWAYS looking for additional musicians and vocalists to share their musical gifts. If you have an interest in participating in Messiah's praise ministry, contact Mary Petersen at 952-431-5959, or by email at mary@messiahonline.org.
Adult Choir
Messiah's adult choir meets every Tuesday evening from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. (September through May) in the Music Room. This choir sings once a month or so during worship. You don't have to read music or even have a solo voice, just love to sing praises to God. The adult choir welcomes anyone confirmed age through adult. Come and be part of the time of fellowship. For information, contact choir director Mary Petersen at 952-431-5959 or by email at mary@messiahonline.org.
Handbell Choir
Messiah's Handbell Choir has four octaves of bells and chimes. The choir, directed by Paul Hunsinger, meets September through May and practices on Monday nights (7:00 to 8:00 p.m.) in the Sanctuary. They assist in worship about every four to six weeks. Anyone who has an interest in learning to ring bells is invited to participate.
Children's Chime Choir
Kids in Messiah's confirmation program (5th through 8th grade) are invited to participate in the Chime Choir. The kids get service credit, but more importantly, enjoying playing occasionally for their peers for WOW! openings on Wednesday nights and for worship. This choir is directed by Paul Hunsinger.
Special Music (vocal solos/duets/groups or instrumental pieces)
There are opportunities all year long for anyone with a gift for singing or playing to add special music to worship services. Musicians and vocalists wanting to share their gifts will be assigned to a weekend where their song fits the theme for a particular weekend and are asked to sing at all three weekend services. High school youth are invited to join a praise team as a vocalist or a musician, or to offer special music in worship.
Children's and Youth Music
Younger children have music time during WOW! on Wednesday evenings and during Sunday school. Children attending WOW! sing in worship about six times during the school year. They learn their special music for the weekend as well as a praise song that will be sung by the congregation. Sunday school children also sing a few times each year. Children usually sing during the offering at the 8:00 a.m. service and at the beginning of the 10:30 service. Children who attend Vacation Bible School sing several of their new songs at a special program for their families on Thursday night.
Children's Choir Grades 1-4
All children in grades 1-4 are invited to join the Children's Choir which meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Music Room. Rehearsal time is spent learning music for worship, alongwith “fun”, lively, and energetic music. The choir sings about once a month, usually at the beginning of the 10:30 a.m. worship, and is directed by Mary Petersen.
Children's Choir Age 3-Kindergarten
Children age 3 through Kindergarten will enjoy this choir. These kids rehearse weekly on Wednesday evenings, from 5:30-6:00 p.m. in the Music Room, and are directed by Heather Wald. They sing once a month, usually at the beginning of the 10:30 a.m. worship. It is never too early to teach young children to praise God through music. Shout to joy all the earth!
Choir Directors
If you have the gift of leadership and some musical background, there may be a place for your to direct a choir. Please contact Mary Peterson if this ministry is of interest to you.
