GWC performs in the Sunday morning worship services. The primary purpose of this group is to glorify the Lord through musical expression.

This volunteer choir is for men and women age 15 and older.  They typically perform one selection during worship and help lead congregational worship music. Performance styles range from hymns to black gospel.  Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm – 8:00pm.

A variety of social and musical training events are held throughout the year. The performance season is September thru June. Past performances include a broadway style Christmas production “Sights & Sounds”, a “Passion Play” at Easter time, a spring non-seasonal musical, community Christmas Caroling and other off-site performances.

If you’re looking for a musical entry point this is the place to start.

Gateway Worship Band

Instrumental music is an emerging ministry here at First Church. If you play an instrument or have in the past, we have a place for you.

Currently the “Gateway Worship Band” plays in the 10:30am Sunday morning worship service and accompanies all congregational music and frequently performs alone.

The band is open to individuals eighth grade and older. The group is composed of string, brass, wind, and percussion instruments. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 8:10pm – 9:15pm and on Sunday at 8:10am.

Special Music

“Special Music” is the term given to vocal or instrumental music offered during one of the worship services.

Vocal special music usually comes in one of the following forms: solo, duet, trio, quartet, small ensemble or choir. It can come at any point in the service per direction of the Worship Pastor.

Instrumental special music usually comes in one of the following forms: piano, organ, keyboard, percussion, string or wind instrument.

Special Music usually occurs during the receiving of tithes and offerings. Children, teens and adults are encouraged to participate in both special and offertory music.  A quarterly printed schedule is compiled and mailed to all vocal and instrumental participants.

Kids Choir

Children are a gift from God and we believe in using that gift here at First Church. If your child likes to sing or you would like to involve them in children’s music you can find a variety of opportunities.

Children learn to sing in Children’s Church, Sunday School and at Vacation Bible School. For those who are ready, children are encouraged to sing or play an instrument in the Sunday morning worship services, either by themselves or in groups.

Currently there is one graded choir for children ages 1st thru 5th grade. Rehearsals are set per the childrens ministry director. A full-scale musical is presented each year in December involving drama, sound, lights and scenery. They also perform once each quarter during the Sunday morning worship service.

If you have children who like to sing exciting, spirited, Christ center music this is the place to be.

Youth Music

Teenagers are encouraged to participate in all aspects of music ministry within the church – special music, offertory music, Gateway Singers, Teen Worship Band, etc. The Teen Worship Band leads worship during the youth service on Wednesday evenings. They also perform during the worship service on Sundays a couple times a quarter. Any teen interested in getting involved should contact Aaron Adam.

Worship Service

Worship Service is the term given to describe when the body of Christ gathers for corporate worship. During this service a variety of music can be heard: special music, choirs, offertory music, and congregational singing.

Music in this service is designed to allow the individual to praise and worship the “Living God.” Music in general is upbeat with moments of personal reflection and praise and contempoary multi-media elements. Music is selected which represents the holiness nature of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Drama

Recognizing the need to provide additional opportunities for ministry and involvement a drama ministry was begun in 2010. This ministry is open to anyone with abilities in acting, set construction, scenery design, costumes, lighting, sound and multimedia. Currently one to three person sketches are performed once a month in the Sunday Morning Celebration Services, September thru May.  If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please contact the church office.

“In Step” Dance Ministry

Dance is, at its core, a form of communication, and can be used for many purposes in Christian ministry including: praise, worship, teaching, entertainment, evangelism, intercession and spiritual warfare. We try to regularly vary the style and difficulty level of our dances to allow everyone to participate in our program. The dance styles we utilize include everything from Hebrew to Hip Hop to Hula and many more.

This ministry is open to males and females age 12 and up. The team normally meets once a week September – May on Thursday nights at 7:00pm. We would love to have you join our team. To get involved contact Chris Yarkosky or contact the church office.

Technical Arts

It is our desire to continue to build a talented team that seeks to support the Worship and Arts Ministry by operating our audio and visual equipment, including the sound system, video production and projection, lighting, and stage set up/teardown.

Individuals interested in serving on this important team must have a servant’s heart and an ear/eye for excellence. Previous experience is helpful but training will be given. There are additional opportunities for technical involvement outside of service times, including weddings, funerals and special events.