Music and Arts
About
Worship is a foundation of what we do at FPCA, and we recognize that worship comes in many forms.
Offering our creative gifts in worship—as in music, painting, sewing, and flowers—is an important way we give glory to God with the special talents and skills our Creator God has given us! We would love for you to add your gifts to our worship life through music or other arts.
Worship through Art
The Visual Arts Ministry Team of FPCA works to creatively engage the congregation in creating and appreciating visual arts.
The Litugical Arts Team reflects on scripture and liturgical year to develop art to be used in worship. From paraments to banners, stoles to bulletin covers, this group of people prayerfully and intentionally creates art to draw people into the worship of God. This is a wonderful team to be a part of if you enjoy the arts—regardless of skill level.
Our Gallery located on first floor by the top of the stairs is where we share art created by our congregation as well as the wider community. Sometimes the art aligns with the church calendar or maybe a social justice topic. This team is always looking for people who like to go to local galleries, have a heart for the arts, and/or can help with logistical details.
Worship Through The Flower Guild
The Flower Guild arranges the flowers for worship including poinsettias and greenery for Advent and flowers and lilies for Easter.
They also provide flowers for arrangements for the homebound. There are many ways to help- please email Sandy Sellers for information or to sign up.
Opportunities for flower dedications are available. Dedications will be printed in each Sunday’s bulletin.
To sign up, please contact the church at life@fpcasheville.org.
Worship Through Music
Music is a vital part of worship, and for many of us using our musical gifts for God’s glory is the primary way we worship.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is made up of volunteers of all ages (open to youth grades 7 and above as well as adults) and experience levels who find joy in singing in community and making music to the glory of God. The choir is augmented by a quartet of professional staff singers, and helps to lead worship regularly at the 11:00 service.
The Chancel Choir sings most Sundays throughout the year as well as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and other special services. They sing a stylistically varied repertoire spanning Renaissance to the 20th century music, including traditional Western sacred music, folk music, world music, and spirituals. No audition is required. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (September-May) in the sanctuary.
Children’s Choirs
There are two opportunities for children and youth to be involved in music at FPCA. Choir is offered for children in grades K-6, and a handbell ensemble is offered for youth in grades 7-12. Children and youth are invited to have dinner with their families on Wednesdays from 5:00-5:45 in the Fellowship Hall.
Choir rehearsals begin at 5:30 in the music room, and at 5:45 the children are split into Beginning Choir (K-2) and Junior Choristers (3-6). Children learn about faith, worship, music literacy, and how to use the hymnal, and have access to our collection of drums and rhythm instruments, chimes and bells, and Orff instruments. Rehearsals run from September through early May, and these groups sing at the 11:00a.m. service several times throughout the program year.
Handbells and Instruments
Youth handbells rehearse on Wednesdays from 6:00-6:45 in the choir room. This ensemble is open to all youth (grades 7-12) regardless of experience or music reading ability. Handbells are easy to learn and fun to play, and a bell ensemble provides wonderful opportunities for team-building and learning music in a low-pressure setting. The handbell ensemble will play at the 11:00 service several times throughout the program year.
Instruments of the Church
Worship and music at FPCA is supported by superb musical instruments. FPCA’s sanctuary is home to the 2014 Holtkamp Organ and a custom rebuilt 9’ Baldwin grand piano.