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Worship Arts Ministry

 

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us
       but to your name be the glory,
       because of your love and faithfulness."
~ Psalm 115:1

 

skip to instructions for CCC Worship's Calendar and Music Files on Google

skip to Scheduling Ministry Moments

skip to Worship & Music Ministry Handbook

Use the Worship button above to access specific web pages for Choir, Worship Teams, Instrumentalists, Drama, Audio Video and Schedule.

The Worship and Music Ministry of Cicero Christian Church is led by Pastor Doug Wiggers. Brian Swart assists in leading our instrumentalists. This team ministry center includes Worship Teams, Instrumentalists (percussion - drums, organ, piano, synthesizer; strings, brass; woodwinds; handbells...and what was it you played in high school?), Audio/Visual (sound, video capture, projection), Worship Choir, Drama, Visual Arts, and Prayer.

 

Worship Schedule

Our worship schedule is posted using Google Calendar. See below for instructions.

Click here for First Quarter 2011 Worship Schedule published 12/29/2010.

Click here for First Quarter 2011 Sound/Video/Projection Schedule.

Click here for Second Quarter 2011 Worship Schedule - all areas

 

Worship Choir Practice

All are invited to join our Worship Choir. There are no auditions, just bring your joyful heart to praise. Choir leads worship at least one Sunday morning a month from September through May and is involved with several special events through the year, such as "Night of Worship."

WINTER 2011 Session

Practices are Wednesday evenings, 7:20-8:45p in the sanctuary

January 12, 19, 26 (did not meet due to weather)

February 2, 9, 16, 23

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 27, 30

SPRING 2011 Session

April 6, 13, 20 (no Summit meal or classes first three weeks, 27 (Summit classes & meal)

May 4, 11

Leading Worship Both Services

January 23

February 27

March 27

April 24 - Easter

May 15 - evening concert

Practice Music - click here for link to practice music!
Spring Worship Event

Big Mighty God will be presented by the worship and music ministry the evening of Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 6:30p.

Handbells

We have a great handbell choir who are surprising themselves every week with the difficulty of music they are bringing as a form of worship. This ministry isn't for the faint of heart - you have to have a good sense of timing and fast reflexes! The handbell choir helps lead worship about once a month and usually practices on Saturday.

 

 

Google Calendar Instructions

If you have access to the internet, the practice songs and schedules for the worship ministry are posted by our Worship & Music Minister, Doug Wiggers.

   click on graphic for larger images

Using your web browser of choice, navigate to http://sites.google.com/site/cccworshipchoir/ (or click on this link).

You do not need a Google logon or password.

 

 

Listen to the Worship Choir music files by clicking on the "Worship Choir Music" link on the left side of the screen.

If a performance date for a song has been selected, it will appear after the title of the song.

Select the file you want to listen to by clicking on the title.

 

If you want the file to open in your default media player, click "open."

The mp3 file can be opened and played with Windows Media Player, iTunes, QuickTime and Rhapsody.

 

View the calendar of worship rehearsals and events by clicking on the "Worship Ministry Calendar" link on the left side of the screen.

 
     

 

Scheduling Ministry Moments

We value the time and energy it requires to share information with our congregation through Ministry Moments from the pulpit on Sunday Mornings; however, we acknowledge that too many announcements in worship can quite quickly become a distraction in worship, not an addition.

So, to make better use of our worship on Sunday, AND to make any ministry announcements most effective, we ask that we follow this new and simple procedure for Ministry Moment requests. There is really nothing earth-shaking in this proces, just a step-by-step clarification of what we ask in order to make our planning the most effective for all.

Click here for the Ministry Moment Request Form. Submit the form to Doug Wiggers in the church office.

Ministry Moment Request Policy

view/print policy
  • All requests must be received no later than four weeks before your intended Sunday. Requests must go through Nancy Reed.  She and I will discuss the request and I will make the final decision on whether to grant your request. Not every request will be granted.
  • There are many ways to convey information to the congregation. A Ministry Moment may not be the best way, depending on the information to be shared and those you need to share it with. We seek to reserve MM’s for announcements that relate to the congregation as a whole, not a small segment of the congregation.
  • A short form must be completed and turned into Nancy as well. This form will allow us to better understand your request.  If you have any questions about the form, please let us know.
  • We will get back to you within a week of your request. If we feel that a Ministry Moment slot would not be best for your announcement, we will work with you in any way to communicate that information in other ways (bulletin announcements, display tables, etc).

 

 

Worship & Music Ministry Handbook

August, 2007
Dear Fellow Musician and Artist,

It is with joy and delight that I welcome you to the Worship Arts Ministry of Cicero Christian Church!  Whether you have been involved in this particular ministry for a number of years or desire to participate for the first time, my prayer is that this handbook would be of great service to you.

As brothers and sisters in Christ who wish to utilize their God-given gifts in supporting our worship experiences each Sunday at CCC, we know that we have a high calling.  What an awesome and life-impacting opportunity we have each week! 

I look forward to getting to know you more and understanding your heart for worship.  We serve an amazing God and I am deeply blessed that you are considering lending your talents in service of Him. 

If you have any questions about this handbook, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Serving Him Together,

 

Doug Wiggers
Worship & Music Minister

Vision of the Worship Arts Ministry

To respond to all that God is with all that we have.

Central Values of the Worship Arts Ministry

1. Glorify God

  • Main focus is to bring attention to our God, not to ourselves.
  • Maintain a positive testimony for Christ both in and outside of church.

2. Give God Our Best

  • There is a difference between ‘excellence’ and ‘perfection.’ 

3. Lift up the Team

  • Maintaining proper attitudes towards one another is crucial. 
  • Continually ask this question:  “What’s best for the whole team, not just my ministry?”

4. Continually Pray

  • Pray for your leaders, fellow artists, church members, and those we are trying to reach for Christ.

By upholding these values we can give all that we have to God through joyful, expressive worship.

“Passion accompanied by reverence, celebration accompanied by submission.”
- Matt Redman

Worship Ministry Team Covenant

As a member of the Worship Arts Team I covenant and uphold the vision and values of the team by:

Holding my gifts loosely and not comparing myself, my gifts, my abilities or my opportunities to serve to that of other members on this team. 

On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

1 Corinthians 12:22-25

Taking the personal responsibility to regularly prepare myself spiritually to be the most effective worship leader I can be outside of rehearsals and services.

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

2 Corinthians 8:5

Remaining open to input and guidance from my leaders and teammates.

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Hebrews 13:17

Cultivating a lifestyle outside of church that represents Christ’s teachings and values.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Demonstrating respect to my teammates by coming to rehearsals prepared and on time on the dates I am scheduled.

then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Philippians 2:2

Eliminating gossip or disparaging conversations about my teammates and caring enough to confront when I feel I have been wronged.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:3

 

Carry the attitude of patience and encouragement with all of my teammates no matter where they are in their development and talent.

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

1 Corinthians 12:26

Carrying myself with an attitude of humility and honor no matter what my position or opportunities may be on the team.


Worship Arts Ministry Interview Form

view/print form

Thank you for expressing interest in being a part of the Worship Arts Ministry of Cicero Christian Church. The following document has been designed to allow us to get to know you better and to offer you the opportunity to share your heart and passions with us.  Upon completion, please return this form to the Worship Arts Office. Once the form has been received, we will be in contact with you to discuss the next step of the process.

Name __________________________________________

Address ________________________________________

City ___________________________   Zip ____________

Phone (H) _____________________   Phone (M) ___________________________

Email ___________________________     _________________________________

Birth Date _______________________

  • I am interested in serving in the following way:

          Vocal Team ____   Soloist ____   Band _____  Other ______

          Voice Part  ____________________    Instrument (s) ________________________

  • Can you read music?   _______
  • How many years have you sung / played?  __________________________
  • Have you ever been involved with a worship ministry before?  _____________
  • What are some of the reasons you desire to be a part of the Worship Ministry?
  • What is worship to you?
  • Please tell me about your journey with God. 
  • What are some things you currently do on a regular basis to grow in your relationship with Christ?

Involvement in the worship ministry of CCC means that you are committed to the vision of the ministry and that attendance, preparedness and punctuality at rehearsals and services is expected from all participants.

As a member of the worship ministry we ask that you make it a habit to pray for the worship ministry, the Sunday services and those you serve with.  Humility is a trait we seek to model and putting other team members before yourself is to be expected.

 

I, can commit to these principles and will do my best to be an active part of the life of this church as I serve with my talents in worship ministry.

Signature:  __________________________________

Date: ________________________________________


Worship & Music Ministry Opportunities

WORSHIP TEAM -  A group of rhythm instrumentalists and vocalists who lead worship on a weekly basis.  Vocalists are grouped together and scheduled on a rotating basis, participating in worship once every 4-6 weeks.  Vocalists must be active in the Worship Choir.  The Worship Team leads and accompanies most of our congregational music as well as offering periodic worship features and/or preludes.  Musically included are drums, bass guitar, organ/synth, piano, 3-4 vocalists plus the Worship Leader, and an occasional acoustic/electric guitar.  This group rehearses Thursday evenings from 7 – 9 pm.

PRAISE BAND - The Praise Band is an active part of our worship services.  Their primary focus is in accompanying the Worship Team in congregational music.  Additionally, a feature piece is played on occasion.  The Praise Band is comprised of mainly brass instruments (trumpet, trombones) and saxophones.  The Praise Band participates in worship two times per month.  Rehearsals are mainly held Sunday morning with the “as needed” extra rehearsals.  Musicians with high school level musicianship and above are welcomed.

WORSHIP CHOIR - The Worship Choir assists in leading worship once per month.  Rehearsals occur on Wednesday evenings from 7:10 – 8:40 pm.  We seek to model an attitude of genuine worship to our congregation. 

ORCHESTRA - The Orchestra is an ensemble of mix ages and ability levels who desire to use their instruments four to six times per year.  This group occasionally accompanies the Worship Choir and is widely used during seasonal events such as Christmas, Easter, and Ministry-wide productions.

WOODWINDS - The Woodwinds comprise flutes, clarinets, and oboes and will be used once per month for worship song assistance.  Rehearsals are on Thursday nights along with the Worship Team rehearsals.

HANDBELL CHOIR – The Handbell Choir is a unique ensemble that plays in worship around once per month with rehearsals occurring on Saturday mornings.  In order to be a part of this ensemble, you must be able to read music.

MUSIC MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES – Anyone can participate in Music Ministry opportunities (or “special music” during our Sunday worship services.  Vocal solos are frequently used and instrumental soloists are invited to participate as well.  Solid musical abilities and a heart for God are needed to participate in this ministry.

TECHNICAL CREW – If you want to be behind the scenes with the video, sound or projection teams, we are always looking for more people to train. People are needed to manage the sound, video and projection needs on Sunday morning and for special services on the equipment located in our sound booth, including digital cameras, CD/DVD/VCRs, Sound board, Lighting Board, and video editing equipment.

General Guidelines

Membership Requirements

  • All participants should have an active walk with their God. This includes regular Bible reading/study, and active prayer life.
  • All participants should be active in attending regular worship services, including days when you are not scheduled to participate.

Rehearsal Expectations

  • Most ensembles have weekly rehearsals and the rehearsals take place at various times throughout the week.  Schedules will be made quarterly, at least, and be available to you via email, snail mail, or the multi-purpose room. Schedules are subject to change depending on church-wide schedule changes and/or ensemble-specific adjustments. Any schedule changes will be communicated as quickly as possible.
  • Be on time. We need to tighten this area up both as a leader and as a volunteer. We all contribute to the effectiveness of a rehearsal one way or another.
  • Please notify the Worship Coordinator of your planned absences. We keep a detailed record of this and the scheduling of events centers on those dates. Please keep us informed and up-to-date.

Worship Team Guidelines

Responsibilities

  • Willingly and unselfishly serve fellow team members
  • Faithful and prompt attendance to rehearsals and Sunday Call Times
  • Desire to grow in your musicianship through attendance of special training events and willingness to accept suggestions for improvement
  • Adequately prepare music prior to rehearsal by studying music and listening to demo CD (if available)
  • Notify Worship Office in advance when you will be absent

Desired Skills
Being a part of the worship team creates higher expectations for all persons involved. As the “front” of the ministry each week, and through your role as worship leaders, moderate to advance ability is needed. All members are expected to be growing in their faith through daily devotions, prayer and bible study, along with regular attendance to worship services.

      Vocalists

  • Proficient in vocal technique and ability
  • Must be able to learn harmony and hold part
  • Confident stage presence with ability to non-verbally engage with the congregation

Dress Code
Casual to moderate dress attire is standard.  No jeans or shorts.  Women are asked to wear a high neckline and skirts/dresses that fall below the knees.  Your comfort is important.

Other

  • Call Time is the time rehearsal begins.  It is your responsibility to make sure you are on stage, “geared up”, and ready to begin at the designated CT.  Coming late and unprepared is unacceptable and shows a lack of respect towards the members of your team.
  • If any of the above become hindrances to the chemistry and function of the team, members may be asked to take a leave of absence to fully evaluate their continued participation.
 
   

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