CPC 1996 Annual Report:
Music Ministries
Leo M. Wanenchak

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What a precious gift that God is a neverending stream of forgiveness! We could never make music if that were not true. Given the astounding technology available today our ears and eyes are treated to a level of excellence that sets a standard which is inspiring and frightening simultaneously. Making music unto God is a liberating act. The standard it requires is our best for the present moment and our willingness and diligence so that God has the opportunity of guiding us to the better best in the next moment. God continues to bless Central's Music Ministries and takes us to a better best that we didn't know was attainable.

The Chancel Choir continues to be a longtime home for several handfuls of diligent, willing people. It is exciting seeing people come into the choir and the working of the Spirit in them as they train, gain confidence and establish friendships. The Chancel Choir continues to provide leadership weekly at 11:00a Worship. A sizable number of singers augmented the Choir for the Beyond These Walls Sunday. The choir augmented, was accompanied by orchestra and took the name of The Concert Choir for two notable events: Nicolas - a look into the meaning of being a disciple of Christ and Messiah - the Christmas portion of Handel's masterpiece. What a blessing it is to be in a singing church. It amazes me to notice that a considerable portion of Central has sung in the choir. It is well over the 10% church norm. Currently, regular membership has taken a dip and we encourage old and new friends to spend a season with the choir. May we continue to practice the steadfastness that builds a singing church.

The Worship Team continues in the challenge of leading 8:30a Worship. This service was created as a lay led alternative and continues in that tradition. The musicians have been called to innovatively provide a standard repertoire and seek new music used to lead Worship. The two teams of musicians communicate well with each other, with musicians currently not on a team and with potential musicians. In spite of the ever changing nature of the team personnel a stable continuity has emerged. It has been inspiring watching the desire to honor God with the choice of music, manner of presentation and Worship Team rapport grow. The Worship Team also was visible to the greater Central Church at the All Church Retreat, the Beyond These Walls Event, the SongFest, the Thanksgiving Eve Service and the 8:00p Christmas Eve Service.

The Children's Choral Program continues steady growth. The loyalty to this program is a blessing for all who are involved. There are few blessings that rank with the privilege of aiding and hearing children confidently lifting their voices to God. The program grew a new limb this year. In addition to the general Children's Chorus and the select Descant Choir, Canto Choir (Singing Group) was established as a vocal ensemble for High School Age females and a teacher training group for children's chorus leaders. In addition to periodically singing in worship these choirs were essential in the performances of Nicolas and Messiah. God's plan for all to lift their voices in praise certainly is being fulfilled with great blessing in this program.