Colossians 3:16-17 says "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all your wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. We want to be musicians that give glory to God with their musical talents and want to provide an atmosphere that is sensitive to what God is doing in our homes, our community, and our church. It is our prayer that God would raise up musicians who are committed to Him. We want to be used by God to inspire others to engage in a meaningful and true time of worship. We want to be creative with a dream of reaching people for Christ by striving to be the best we can be in all areas, not just music. In the end, we want to be a team that is committed to the cause of Christ so others may find life and live in its fullness.
Want to be Involved? To be a part of the music ministry we ask that you serve in the areas where God has gifted you and that you commit to a season of walking and working together. In the area of music and arts much time is spent in rehearsals and prayer. As we meet for prayer and rehearsal, we have found that this allows many different expressions to be one voice. It also creates a great opportunity to challenge each other and spur each other on as we strive to be the best that we can be for Him. We look forward to having you!
Mark D. Tolar - Associate Pastor, Music/Worship
Richard McCullough - Music Administrative Assistant
Judy Pool - Pianist
Anne Garner -- Organist
Sherri Weeks - Keyboard
Eleanor Holderman - Media/Families in Action
Lauren Shelton - Handbells
Johnny Gail Simpkins - Music Librarian
Jo Anne Price and Janet Dean - Assistants
Tillman Johnson - Sound
Ronnie Pryor - Television
Celebration Choir
The 40 member choir leads in a.m. worship each Sunday in the 10:45 a.m. service under the direction of Mark D. Tolar. The choir leads in a blended worship style from classic hymns to the latest choruses. The choir presents yearly special emphasis music during Christmas, Easter, Patriotic seasons, and summer projects. The choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This time will change beginning in June of 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This rehearsal is in the Sanctuary.
Student Performing Arts Ministry
The Student Performing Arts Ministry (SPAM) includes students grade 6 - 12. It includes choir and drama The choir is under the direction of Mark D. Tolar. Drama is led by Roxanne Babin and Todd Pounds. SPAM meets on Sunday afternoons from 4:50 to 5:50 p.m. They lead in the p.m. worship services and once a month in the a.m. worship service. The choir also ministers in surrounding sister churches on a regular basis. This group takes a combined trip each summer that includes choir tour and youth camp. Costs for this trip are mostly underwritten by our church through church - wide luncheons once a month!
Melody Makers
The melody Maker Choir has a unique ministry here in our church. Originally, this group was organized during the Senior Adult Choir years?about 30 years ago. As times have changed, this group has evolved into a mobile ministry group which gathers on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 9:15 in the chapel. We then depart to in home ministry locations and or retirement homes to lead in singing and prayer. This is a powerful ministry to those who can not attend our regular services. This group is led by Mark D. Tolar and Jo Anne Price.
Handbells
Led by Lauren Shelton, this group meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 on the second floor of the education building. Those who make up the ensemble include anyone with instrumental or previous handbell experience whose joy is to serve and enrich the corporate worship experience of First Baptist Church. They ring in worship services and around the community in events like the Tour of Homes. Our Handbell choir includes five octaves. We always happily welcome new members and share a desire to challenge one another to offer our musical best as a humble offering to our Lord.
Families in Action/Children's Choir
The name says it all - Families-in-Action! This ministry includes children in kindergarten through fifth grade, together with their parents, and involves them in a praise rally called Worship KidStyle, Bible Skills-Drills-&-Thrills, Makin' Tracks (mission projects), and family fellowships. FIA meets when school is in session in the Family Life Center gym from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Children combine their experiences each year to write and produce videos and live skits.
Generations
The Generations is a men's ensemble that sings southern gospel music. The group is led by Mark D. Tolar and rehearses on Wednesday afternoons in the choral suite from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The group leads in worship services as well as civic and community events. The group was originally formed by long time church member and musician Gayle Burton.
Reflections
The Reflections is a group of ladies that reflect their love for the Lord through singing. The ladies sing a variety of Christian music. The group is led by Becky Weeks with input from all. Rehearsal is on Wednesday afternoon from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the choral suite. The ladies sing mainly in church services and for revivals. Inspiration for the groups' origin came from several of the original members. The inspiration for the name of the group came from Patti Tucker.
Worship Band
Our worship band is a new arm of the Music Ministry here at Woodville FBC. We currently have drums, guitar, piano, and keyboard. We are looking for a bass player and others who have the ability to lead in worship through this venue. We currently rehearse on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
