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 from our 8:30 Contemporary Service. 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 8:30 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. (Jesus and Me)
J.A.M. includes age appropriate music activities for children and youth aged three or four and up directed by Michelle. This includes Tiny Tunes (pre-K and K), Radical Ringers (Elementary), and the Jr. Praise Team (grade 7 and up). They learn and rehearse during the J.A.M. Sessions on Thursday Evenings and perform at select 8:30 and 11:00 services - and whenever else we can get them to bless us with their talent and enthusiasm. For more about J.A.M., click
For rehearsal dates and times, please see the calendar.
