Music Ministry

We believe music to be a vital part of Christian worship. First Baptist offers a wide variety of musical styles from traditional to gospel, from classical to contemporary-a blending of old and new. Through the music ministry our purpose is to honor the Lord Jesus Christ and to communicate the Word of God.

Mr. Thomas S. Hollinger

Have you recently noticed new banners-thanks to Jenny Ellis-in the sanctuary? We switch them throughout the year according to the seasons (Christmas, Lent, Easter) occasionally adding those which have been newly made. For many people these banners enhance worship by bringing to mind not only the many biblical tides or phrases referring to God, but more to the point, the attributes of God.

Alpha and Omega is one of chose tides. These words are simply the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Sometimes the Greek letters A and 0 are used in stained glass windows-including one of ours-and other church furnishings. The phrase Alpha and Omega appears only in the New Testament but the idea comes from the Old Testament.

"This is what the LORD says- Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty; I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God." Isaiah 44:6

In Revelation 1:8 John writes of God, "I am die Alpha and Omega.. .who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

The idea is not only that of God's eternal existence- has always existed and always will exist- but His complete knowledge of and control over all things- all history and all future. Think about that for awhile and you are bound to get a headache/

Someone once said that life is like a parade, "We only get to see what is direcdy in front of us and not the whole thing at once." God, the Alpha and Omega not only sees "the parade" all at once, but works through it all- beginning, middle and end- for His glory.. .and our good.

There are several hymns which contain the phrase Alpha and Omega, but the one that is possibly the most familiar is "Love Divine All Loves Excelling." It is in the second verse.

Breathe, 0 breathe Thy loving Spirit, Into every troubled breast.'
Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find that second rest.
*Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty.
*0ur hymnal alters this phrase- "Take away the love of sinning."

While God is the beginning and end over all creadon and history. He has permitted that you and I are the only ones who can give Him permission to have that same rule in our lives. He wants to be our Alpha and Omega.

Music Camp 2011 is July 18-22, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church facility. Music Camp is for children entering grades 2-7 in September 2011. Registradon, which is limited for each grade, has begun. Forms are available in the "Hub", in the office, in the Welcome Center and the narthex.

Our objectives for Music Camp are:
1) lo enrich the lives of children through exposure through a variety of musical experiences in an environment where God's love/acceptance is expressed, possibly sparking a musical interest where there had not been one before, and

2) To introduce Jesus Christ to the children so that they might begin to understand who He is and their need for Him as their personal Savior.

Music Camp includes singing, handbells, playing Orff instruments, a basic music class, music appreciation, introduction to the orchestra, and recreation, plus some optional classes in guitar, drums, and pipe organ, and interpredve movement. Children need not have any prior music training. The week also includes a cookout and a swimming activity. The week culminates with a program presented by the children on the following Sunday evening. (July 24)

If you have interest in helping with Music Camp- music or non-music posidons- or if you have any quesdons about Music Camp, don't hesitate to look me up!

Blessings,
Tom

Blessings
Tom