Music Ministry

St. Paul's rich and diverse Music Ministry is guided by Mike Smiley, Sanctuary Choir Director, Michelle Showalter, Accompanist and Children's Choir Director and the Praise Team. All these musicians combine their own talents, leadership, and dedication to make "music as worship" an integral feature of St. Paul's.

The Sanctuary Choir

A feature of the traditional 11 o'clock service from September through mid-June, the Sanctuary Choir, lead by Mike and accompanied by Michelle, performs special anthems at most of these services as well as adding their voices to the congregation singing hymns during the service. Their anthems range the full spectrum of music from jazz to classical so that everyone, at some service, will hear their favorite genre praising God

The choir rehearses Wednesday nights. The individual choir member's musical talents vary but the sense of "music as worship" runs deep in each. Some never miss a choir practice or Sunday service. Some find a different balance between the music ministry and the needs of their daily lives. Membership in the choir is open to all persons who want to share the talents God has given them

The Praise Ringers

A group of talented "ringers" directed by Mike that perform on select Sundays throughout the year. Their skills vary from experienced to novice.They perform on tone chimes/choir chimes and practice on Tuesday Afternoons. This, too, is a dedicated group. As each member is "responsible" for two to four notes of the scale, they will find someone to substitute for them if they are not able to attend a practice session or performance.

Advent Performance

During the Fall, the Sanctuary Choir and Praise Ringers are blessed by the appearance of additional voices, musicians, readers, and helpers from the congregation, friends, and relatives to perform a special Advent Program. Taking place on a Sunday Evening in the middle of the Advent Season, this has become a necessary tradition for performers and the friends and family that attend. A common quote each year during the post-performance coffee and cookies is "best ever!"

The Praise Music Team

Sets the tone for St. Paul's early service performing and leading the congregation in modern hymns and praise music. Skilled musicians and vocalists all, each person brings their own individual talents to create a cohesive, worshipful experience for the congregation.

J.A.M. Choir

Children ages 4 through 5^th grade participate in the J.A.M. Choir, directed by Michelle Showalter, which rehearses during our midweek J.A.M. program (“Jesus and Me”) currently meeting on Thursdays from 4:00-6:30. The children share their music at least once a month during Sunday church services throughout the school year with occasional opportunities for skits, plays, and other special activities. For more information about J.A.M. click here.

Youth Choir

The Youth Choir is for youth from 6^th through 12^th grades, meeting from 6:00-7:00 Wednesday nights before the Jr. Life Group meets. The choir is an opportunity for youth to build confidence and learn leadership skills, not to mention just experiencing the joy of music. The youth will learn praise music to occasionally lead the congregation in singing during our Sunday Praise Service, special performance music to share during either service or other church or community activities, as well as have opportunities for dramatic presentations. For more information about Youth Group Activities click here.

For rehearsal dates and times, please see the calendar.