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WE MAKE GREAT MUSIC FOR GOD
| Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. |
| Colossian 3:16-17 (NIV) |
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Music and singing Miriam sang after the parting of the Red Sea. King David played music. The Psalms were songs to God. Early synagogue worship, from which Christians inherit elements of our worship, included a time of singing. Music touches and expresses what is in the depths of the human heart.
The church has a long history of what is now known as "traditional" worship. The sanctuary features an Aeolian Skinner pipe organ that was dedicated in June 1951. The organ was re-voiced in 1980 to bring the organ to 20 ranks containing some 1,250 pipes. The most recent addition to the sanctuary is a new Young Chang PG-185 Regal Artist Grand piano. The instrument has a delightfully warm tone, fine responsive touch, and truly impressive power. The combination of the organ and piano make each worship service a rich and uplifting experience. We make great music for God. It is an important part of what we do in our worship of God. A look at that phrase helps explain what this ministry is all about.
Chancel ChoirFor a group of volunteer musicians, the quality of sound that comes from the chancel choir is amazing. For a group of about 20 singers, the volume of sound that comes from the chancel choir is amazing. Music selections are a diverse mix of styles ranging from Handel to Hopson, traditional to contemporary. One Sunday may include a classical anthem accompanied by organ and piano and the next Sunday feature a toe-tapping spiritual complete with clapping and swaying to the beat. Some weeks may include a strong, robust full choral piece while other weeks may feature a lighter piece with soloists. The choir sings standard four part harmony-soprano, alto, tenor, and bass and is typically accompanied by both organ and piano. Along with the ministry to God in offering the music is the ministry to others. The choir is a pastoral care and discipleship ministry of the church. When a child of a choir member is born, or a loss or joy is experienced, it is felt throughout the choir. Frequent parties and dinners, visits and care giving, as well as prayer and interpretation of pieces are a regular part of the choir's life.
Handbell ChoirThis is a fairly new group for the church. People who professed to have no musical abilities at all have joined this group of ringers to offer a rich, melodious sound to the worship of the church. The key requirement for bell ringers is the ability to count! Handbells were introduced to the church through the Logos youth program in the fall of 2000. A group of adult liked the bells and has been playing since then. About once every six to eight weeks, an anthem or offertory is played by the handbell choir. The choir consists of a four octave set of Schulmerich bells from notes C4 to C8. The music selections ranges from hymn tunes to more modern pieces. Outstanding leadership is provided by volunteer handbell choir director Stephanie Turnbow. Stephanie has played violin for major symphony orchestras for over 20 years from Irving, Texas to Memphis, Tennessee. She is a 1993 graduate of the University of North Texas. Along with the ministry to God in offering the music is the ministry to others. Like the chancel choir, the handbell choir is a pastoral care and discipleship ministry of the church. When a loss or joy is experienced, it is felt throughout the choir. Frequent parties and dinners, visits and care giving, as well as prayer and interpretation of pieces are a regular part of the bell choir's life.
Praise BandAnother new group for the church is a nine piece praise band. Two guitar players (lead and rhythm), a drummer, bass guitar player, keyboard player, pianist, and three vocalists form what has become known as one of the finest worship bands in this area. The band plays at the monthly contemporary worship service on the last Sunday evening of each month. This is a musical offering not for the faint of heart. Fulfilling the vision that worship be a time of celebration, the drums bang, synthesizers groove, and congregations sings their hearts out with excitement over who God is and what He has done for us. The music drives with ever deepening movement toward the moment of hearing God's Word read and proclaimed and then closes the service to send us out uplifted.
Children & Youth MusicIt is important for children to know they have something to offer in worship. At different times of the year, children and youth take a worship leadership role, often in music leadership. The children and youth have proclaimed the gospel through Christmas or Easter music, as well as songs sung after vacation Bible school (VBS). Community worship services have been held in which youth have led in music. A youth praise band is presently being formed.
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RON
GOFORTH.Ron has been on staff at the church since 1987. Ron earned his B. S. degree
in Music Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He went on to earn
a Masters degree in Music Education from the University of Mississippi. Ron worked
as a high school music teacher for ten years and now owns a cable television station
in Ripley, TN. He and his wife Cynthia have been married since 1978 and have four
daughters-Carrie, Amy, Jennifer, Jessica-and are now enjoying being grandparents.
He is involved leadership in numerous civic and community organizations. He enjoys
golf, boating, and his grandchildren.
EDDIE
MACK OWEN. Eddie Mack has been church organist since 1985. He studied electrical engineering
at State Technical Institute in Memphis, TN. He works as Information Technology Manager
at The Delfield Company in Covington, TN. He has played musical instruments since
the fourth grade, studied organ in high school, and has been in country and rock bands
of local fame. He played trumpet in the 101st Airborne band touring in
Vietnam in 1967-1968. After Vietnam, he played in the 72nd Army band in
California. He and his wife Jan have been married since 1973. He enjoys cooking, riding
his Harley-Davidson, and spending time with his wife.
SHERRIE YARBRO... Prior to joining our staff in 2004, Sherrie played the piano at Brighton
Baptist Church for 22 years. She has a BA in Criminal Justice from UT Martin and has
completed master's level classes in education. Sherrie works at the Tipton County
Board of Education as Director of School Health Programs. She has one son, Tyler,
and two daughters, Hannah and Rylee. She is chair of the Tipton County Foster Care Review Board, co-chair
of the Tipton County Community Health Council, and group leader on the Tipton County
Drug Coalition. She is active in the Covington Gridiron Club and Diamond Club. She
enjoys attending her children's athletic activities, going to the beach, and fishing.Phone No 901.476.2434 . Fax No 901.476.1463