WORSHIP MINISTRY | Return to Ministry List
The purposes of the Worship Ministry are: to deepen, support and encourage the worship of the congregation, to broaden the vocabulary of praise available to this body, to provide a venue of service for those musically and spiritually gifted for praise, and to provide an opportunity for individuals to enhance their musical and spiritual knowledge and skills.
The Worship Ministry is currently articulated in two areas of service: the Worship Team and Chorus. The Worship Team serves in weekly worship assemblies, and the chorus serves in special events (i.e., their Christmas Concert) as well as in occasional assemblies. The Chorus also leads a monthly worship service at a nearby extended care facility, the DeWitt Nursing Home.
Worship Team
The Worship Team rehearses in the sanctuary before each Sunday assembly for that day's worship, and during Bible class hour on the following week's material. A quarterly evening meeting is also held to foster relationship and maintain a vision of a larger perspective of the ministry.
Chorus
The Chorus meets on Sundays from 2:00 until 4:00 from September through May in the sanctuary. Christmas, Good Friday and Easter comprise the majority of the Chorus' focus in order to enhance the body's experience of the critical moments in the life of Christ and His people.
Christmas
The annual Christmas Celebration, in partnership with the Children's Ministry, has become an evening of joy and encouragement, as the children of the congregation tell and reenact the story of the birth of Christ, and the chorus reflects on its meaning in our lives with special pieces. The congregation joins in singing classic carols, so everyone has a part in the celebration. The evening then moves to the 4th floor for a Christmas party, with gifts for the kids, and warm drinks and desserts for all!
Good Friday
Our observance on Good Friday focuses on the final hours of the life of Christ as we meditate in song, special music and Scripture on His sacrifice. The evening concludes with a dramatic congregational reading of the Passion of Christ compiled from the gospels of John and Mark.
Easter
No event in the life of Christ is more central to our faith than His resurrection. We celebrate His victory over sin and death for all time with joyous music that declares His triumph over the grave!
Nursing Home Ministry
On the third Sunday of each month (after the congregational fellowship luncheon), a group of singers (NOT just those from the chorus or worship team!) goes over to the DeWitt Nursing Home (211 E 79th @ 3rd) to assist in leading a worship service for its residents. We then stroll through a few floors (there are 17), singing for those who are unable to make it to the 3rd floor service, visiting and praying with them, and being blessed by their love and gratitude. Even if you don't think you're a good singer, join in this ministry next month - warm smiles, loving hearts, and gentle hands are more important than pretty voices in bringing encouragement to our neighbors!
Opportunity For Involvement
The chorus is open to all with a heart for worship and ability to match pitch. The demands on the Worship Team are more rigorous and require a certain level of reading skill.
Click here to learn more about serving on the Worship Team
Click here to learn more about Special Music at the Manhattan Church (PDF)
Click here to learn more about our Vocal Ensemble (PDF) |
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