First Baptist Church of Tellico Village

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. – Psalm 98:4 (NIV)

 

Throughout scripture music is central to our worship of God. Songs and hymns, and musical expressions of worship and praise are found throughout the Old and New Testaments. Of the twelve tribes of Israel, one tribe, the Levites, were given the oversite of everything related to the temple and the worship of God, including singing and playing of instruments (1 Chronicles 9:33, 1 Chronicles 16:4). Of the sixty-six books of the Bible, one entire book, the Psalms, is a collection of songs for worship…a hymnal if you will. We are commanded throughout scripture to sing praises to our Lord (Exodus 15:21, 1 Chronicles 16:9, 23, 33, 2 Chronicles 5:13, Psalm 9:11, Psalm 30:4, Psalm 33:3, Psalm 66:2, Isaiah 12:5-6, Zephaniah 3:14, Acts 16:25, Ephesians 5:19, James 5:13), to praise him with musical instruments (2 Chronicles 5:13, Psalm 98:5, Psalm 150:3, Isaiah 38:20), to clap our hands and shout for joy to the Lord (Psalm 47:1). So, music is a vital and integral part of who we are as a people of God. Worship through music is not something we simply observe, it is something in which we all participate.

 

In addition to lifting our voices in praise as part of the largest choir in the church, the congregation, we have other opportunities where you can develop and use your musical gifts to lead the Church of Jesus Christ in worship.

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• SANCTUARY CHOIR – Our Sanctuary Choir rehearses every Wednesday afternoon and leads in worship every Sunday as well as during special and seasonal worship opportunities. The Sanctuary Choir is open to anyone who has a love for singing, a heart for worship, and a love for the Lord. The ability to read music is helpful, but certainly not necessary. If you have questions about how you can be a part of our Sanctuary Choir please contact David Whipple.

 

• CHURCH ORCHESTRA – Our orchestra rehearses every Wednesday afternoon and leads worship each Sunday, accompanying hymns, playing offertories and special music, and occasionally accompanying the choir. They also accompany the choir on special seasonal programs. We are always looking for new instrumentalists. If you have questions about how you can be a part of our Orchestra please contact David Whipple.

 

• HANDBELLS – Our Handbell Choir rehearses every Monday and leads worship periodically on Sundays as well as special worship services. We typically ring five octaves of handbells and are always looking for additional ringers. Basic music reading skills are required. If you have questions about how you can be a part of our Handbell Choir please contact David Whipple.

 

• OTHER OPPORTUNITIES – We occasionally have other opportunities for soloists, duets, trios, quartets and small ensembles. If you have questions about how you can serve in this way please contact David Whipple.

 

• DRAMA MINISTRY – Our growing Drama Ministry leads in worship and ministers in a variety of ways. We often provide dramatic sermon illustrations, theme interpretations or scripture readings. On occasion, we will present special seasonal dramatic plays or presentations. If you have questions about how you can be a part of our Drama Ministry please email Sauni Rinehart at saunirinehart@gmail.com.

 

For more information about how you can be involved in our music and worship ministry please contact David Whipple at dwhipple@fbctellicovillage.org, or call the church office at 865-408-0110.

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