“Sing unto the LORD, bless His name; Show forth His salvation from day to day.” PSALM 96:2
Music is a vital part of our church's ministry and one of our primary means of worship. The vision of the Downtown music ministry is to worship God and see Him as he really is—GOD. The music ministry involves volunteers who are constantly striving for excellence and relevance in a blended style of worship through weekly worship services, special events and seasonal productions. Church membership is greatly encouraged, but not a prerequisite for participation in the church music programs.
Opportunities in which to serve God in our ministry of music:
Sanctuary Choir
As worship leaders of the weekly worship service, the sanctuary choir adheres to the biblical mandate for worshiping the Lord…“Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:2) Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the choir seeks to draw hearts to God, encouraging them to love God and love others. The choir rehearses and performs weekly. You do not need to audition to join our choir. There are additional opportunities for music training, ensembles, quartets, trios and solo singing.
Rehearsal Schedule
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Music Suite
Rehearsals for seasonal productions – TBA
212 KidzPak (Grades 1 - 6)
Downtown is experiencing a healthy, consistently growing children's population! On Wednesday evenings at 212 KidzPak, we use their creative energies to praise and serve God in a variety of ways. Music, drama, puppets, movement, visual art, games, and guest entertainers, combined with field trips, make this an awesome ministry to our children. Children are encouraged to invite their friends to this variety "pak" of fun and learning.
Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Children's Suite Room 307
Praise Ringers
With the sound of joyful ringing, the English Hand Bell choir worships God in a unique way! This five octave hand bell choir rehearses weekly and performs several times a year. You do not need to audition to join our bell choir. If you are an advanced ringer, there are opportunities for ensemble and solo bell ringing. Periodically, the children and youth (grades 1-12) are invited to workshops to learn the basics of ringing.
Rehearsal Schedule
Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Music Suite
Rehearsals for seasonal productions – TBA
Downtown Orchestra
The Downtown orchestra is blessed with a variety of instrumentalists. Some musicians are professionals from military bands, local orchestras, and nearby schools. Other players took lessons in earlier years or are presently taking lessons! Everyone brings their expertise to our small orchestra. To join the orchestra, you will need to audition with Susan Manship, our Minister of Music. The orchestra plays in worship the first Sunday of the month. Advanced instrumentalists are encouraged to play solo selections frequently. There are also training opportunities for beginning players. Children are encouraged to participate in ensembles as they grow in their musical experience.
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals are usually in the evenings and are scheduled monthly.
Rehearsals for seasonal productions – TBA
Praise & Worship Team
“O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” Psalm 96:1
Downtown's praise and worship team demonstrates a sincere commitment to offer God praise by focusing on the singing songs of praise and leading our 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship service. The worship team rehearses weekly. You need to audition for this group.
Rehearsal Schedule
Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary
Additional Creative Opportunities
The music ministry at Downtown Baptist Church is much like the church in its diversity. There are opportunities throughout the year for involvement in ensembles, quartets, trios, and solo singing. Youth and children participation is strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated. Opportunities, from puppetry to singing to banner making, are created as needs arise and as parishioners make themselves available to share in the unique and creative ways God has given them.
Annual Celebration and Worship Experiences
Christmas in Old Towne
The Downtown family is a unique group! We come from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of differing characteristics…ideas, ages, sizes, shapes, and colors! In 1989, a few people gathered to discuss using these special qualities to put on a dramatic musical production for the Old Town community. Keeping our uniqueness in mind as well as the size of our church and our historic location, they decided to have an intimate, colonial-style Christmas program.
During all the years that followed, Christmas in Old Towne has proven to be a meaningful gift to our community as well as our church family. The program involves the sanctuary choir, orchestra, praise ringers, drama troupe, ushers, greeters, and children---from the youngest to the most senior—all in colonial attire! This special format remains the same from year to year; however, the spiritual message, drama and music change. This popular outreach event is a great opportunity for our church family to share the story of Christ's love in a unique way.
Christmas Eve Services
December 24 at 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
The 5:00 p.m. service is designed for families with children. It is an interactive service, which involves the children in a hands-on worship experience. While the later 7:00 p.m. service is a quieter, traditional service. The singing of beautiful Christmas carols, reading of scriptures, and celebration of the birth of the Christ child will inspire you to truly thank God for sending His only son, a wonderful gift of love.
Good Friday Worship Service
Friday before Easter Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Meditative music, scripture readings, prayer and silent communion will turn your heart toward the cross as you reflect on the agony and suffering of our Lord.
Easter Sunday
9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship ◊ 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Bible Study
Celebrate resurrection morning with us! Christ lives in our hearts! We crown him King of kings and Lord of lords!
“Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of Men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!”
For more information contact :
Susan Manship
Minister of Music & Senior Adults
703.549.5080
smanship@downtownbaptist.org
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