Christ Church Choir
The Christ Church Choir is open to anyone who wishes to praise God through song. There is no audition requirement. The Choir sings at all three Sunday worship services at least once a month. Rehearsals are held Thursday evenings at 6:30 in the Music Rehearsal Room (behind the stage). The schedule for the choir is organized by program cycles. A program cycle is the performance date and the rehearsals leading up to it (usually 3). There is normally a one week break between cycles. The choir is open for membership at the beginning of each new program cycle.Spiritual Gifts: Exhortation, Love of Music
Contact: Michelle Barncord, michellebarncord@mychristchurch.com
Christ Church Orchestra
The Christ Church Orchestra is open to anyone who wishes to praise God through instrumental music. A simple audition/interview is required to join. The Orchestra performs with the Choir at all three Sunday worship services at least once a month. Rehearsals are held Thursday evenings at 6:00 in Scripture Hall. The schedule for Orchestra is organized by program cycle and is the same as the Choir. A program cycle is the performance date and the rehearsals leading up to it (usually 3). There is normally a one week break between cycles. The orchestra is open for membership at the beginning of each new program cycle.Spiritual Gifts: Exhortation (Encouragement), Love of Music
Contact: Melissa Underwood, munderwood@stclair.k12.il.us
Drama Ministry
The Drama Ministry at Christ Church seeks to utilize drama as an avenue to connect people with Jesus Christ. Drama is another “tool” in our worship toolbox that can be used to illustrate a concept or theme in a way that music or the spoken word cannot. We use skits, pantomime reader’s theatre, etc. to bring the congregation into a deeper understanding of a Biblical theme, or to get them thinking about a concept in a different way. There are roles available for all ages, speaking and non-speaking. No experience is necessary! Auditions for parts and schedules are announced as needed and rehearsals are scheduled with respect to those involved.Spiritual Gifts: Evangelism, Exhortation (Encouragement), Faith
Contact: Don Frazure, donfrazure@mychristchurch.com
Handbells
Ringing handbells is a fun way to praise the Lord! No prior musical experience is required. We practice in the Music Rehearsal Room (behind the stage). Youth bells (ages 10 and up) meet from 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. on Sundays September - May. Chancel Bells meet from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. on Sundays September - May. The bells will ring approximately once a month during 10:30 service, as well as for special services and events. Join us anytime!Spiritual Gifts: Exhortation (Encouragement), Hospitality, Love of Music
Contact: Bonnie Fahrner, 618.234.3475, bonchasfahrner@juno.com
Praise Band
The Praise Band is an auditioned group that plays weekly at all three Sunday worship services. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings at 6:30 in the Sanctuary. We are always looking for people who can play drums, bass guitar, keyboard/piano, electric/acoustic guitar – you name it, we’re looking for you! You may contact us to set up an audition at any point, or you may come to one of the two “Express Lane” auditions that we have during the year.Spiritual Gifts: Exhortation (Encouragement), Evangelism, Hospitality, Love of Music
Contact: Jeff Allen, jeffallen@mychristchurch.com
Vocal Team
The Vocal Team sings every week at each of the three Sunday worship services. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings at 6:30 in the Sanctuary. The Vocal Team is an auditioned group of vocalists, who are members of the Christ Church Choir. Membership in the choir is a pre-requisite for joining the Vocal Team, and continued participation in choir is mandatory. Anyone interested in joining the Vocal Team should: Join the Christ Church Choir and be an active participant for at least 6 months Audition at the next “Express Lane” audition, held in the Spring and Fall.Spiritual Gifts: Exhortation (Encouragement), Love of Music
Contact: Don Frazure, donfrazure@mychristchurch.com
Communion Stewards
Communion is a very special part of worship at Christ Church. Communion Stewards assist the pastors in serving communion to the congregation during Sunday worship services approximately once a month. Minimal training is required, and the commitment is for 8-12 services per year.Spiritual Gifts: Assistance/Helps
Contact: Steve Barrett, 618.567.0629, steve.c.barrett@gmail.com
Decorations Ministry
Wanted: creative people to beautify the church sanctuary, chapel, and Scripture Hall! This ministry is responsible for flower arrangements and seasonal/holiday decorations for the church. Occasionally, there will be opportunities to help with decorations for special events. This team meets once a quarter to plan designs and put up decorations. Ministry members will also meet before Christmas and Easter.Spiritual Gifts: Assistance/Helps, Hospitality
Contact: Debbie Muckenstrum, 618.628.7090, muckloans@charter.net
Ministry for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
This ministry is for people who are fluent in American Sign Language who would like to share this skill serving God. We are seeking volunteers to sign during worship services and special events.Spiritual Gifts: Assistance/Helps
Contact: Tammy Kowalski, 618.257.2367, kowalskifamily@mac.com
Pew Crew
Members of the Pew Crew Ministry prepare the chapel and the sanctuary for worship services. Volunteers serve one or two days during the week on a rotating schedule. Members sharpen pencils, stock pews with offering envelopes, and remove old bulletins and other trash from pews. Time commitment is 1-2 hours every four to five weeks on a rotating basis. At least twenty volunteers are needed for this ministry to operate efficiently. Join us!Spiritual Gifts: Assistance/Helps, Hospitality
Contact: Mike Shindler, 618.616.1898, mshindler@avaya.com
Rich Bell, 618.624.8103, sevenbells9@hotmail.com
Saturday Night Worship Assistants
Here is another chance to connect in worship at CUMC from 5:00-5:45pm every Saturday. Help with ushering, greeting and assisting the pastor.Spiritual Gifts: Assistance/Helps
Contact: Don Frazure, donfrazure@mychristchurch.com
Worship Production Ministry
This ministry is responsible for all aspects of technical production pertaining to worship. Positions are available for all skill levels from novice to professional. Team members typically serve a few Sundays a month; some positions require a mid-week rehearsal. We need volunteers in the following areas:Audio – assistants/operators
Lighting – operators, technicians, designers
Video – camera operators, editors, producers, creative writers/brainstormers, and organizers
Stage managers and assistants
CG (big screen lyric system) – operators
If you would like to be a part of serving God through artistic production and creating an atmosphere for worship, join us!
Spiritual Gifts: Assistance/Helps, Knowledge
Contact: Nathan Tobin, 618.277.4659, nathantobin@mychristchurch.com