Worship & Music

Zion places a high priority on the worship and music life of the congregation. Under the experienced and creative leadership of the Pastor and Minister of Music, coordinated with the Worship and Music Committee, worship services offer a unified theme that focuses on the appointed readings for the liturgical day and are centered on the Word of God and the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Worship Leadership

There are a variety of ways for worshippers to offer their time and talents to enrich worship:

• Ushers greet all those who enter the worship space. A bulletin (worship program) is given to each worshipper who is then free to choose where they would like to sit. There are no assigned pews at Zion! Ushers also collect the offering, direct people to the communion rail to receive communion, obtain an attendance count, and clean up following worship. Youth through senior adults are welcome to serve as ushers.
• Lectors read the first and second scripture passages and lead the reading of the psalm (unless it is being sung). They also assist with communion distribution by pouring the wine.
• Lay assistants offer the intercessory prayers, the offertory and post communion prayers, the dismissal and assist with communion distribution by pouring the wine.
• Youth are encouraged to serve as acolytes and in procession on festivals (Christmas Eve, Palm/Passion Sunday, Easter, All Saints, etc.).

Music Leadership

Musical groups lead the congregation in song and offer special music to enrich the worship experience. Musical ensembles provide opportunities for participants to offer special vocal and instrumental talents. The musical groups that regularly rehearse and offer special music include:

• Chancel Choir participation is open to all who love music. Participants do not have to read music – they love to sing! Generally, youth who have been confirmed through seniors are welcome to join the Chancel Choir which rehearses on Wednesdays, 7:30 – 8:30 pm.
• Zion’s Junior Voices is open to youth in middle and high school.

Older elementary youth may join at the discretion of the Minister of Music. When scheduled to offer special music during worship, this choir also leads the congregation in the singing of the liturgy and hymns. The choir usually rehearses on Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm.

• Bells Angels is an intergenerational bell choir. Joining the bell choir is a commitment to attend rehearsals and to be present for musical offerings during worship. Participants do not need to read music, although that is helpful, but eye-hand coordination is important to ring bells on time. This group generally rehearses on Wednesday, 6:15-7:15 pm.
• Gsus is the guitar and vocal ensemble that is open to youth and adults. This group leads both worship services on scheduled Sundays throughout the year. The music is “easy going” contemporary. The congregation appreciates the variety that this group offers for worship.
• Special ensembles are organized by the Minister of Music as talents present the opportunity. Youth who play strings may organize for a special offering. A vocalist may team up with a guitar player for a special offering. Those who are interested in participating in a small ensemble are to see the Minister of Music.

Music on Main

Music on Main is a fine arts program that is in the developmental stages. The vision is to open the doors of the church to the community to hear guest soloists and musical ensembles that offer different genres of music.