Mission
Our Music Ministry is active, vital, and essential to our total church mission. Music is a means to glorify God in worship and to proclaim the good news about Jesus Christ.
Worship is what we bring to God. We strive to bring our best, and to enable others to bring their best. We do not limit ourselves to any particular style of musical expression, but embrace a wide variety, acknowledging that the musical language of worship varies with individuals. Choral masterworks and anthems, current contemporary songs, traditional hymnody, praise and worship choruses, Anglican chant, American folksong and newly composed selections are commonly found in any hour of worship at First Baptist Church. You are eagerly invited to share in our musical adoration of Jesus Christ.
Children’s Choirs: M&Ms (Music and Missions)
The M&Ms Children’s Choirs, age graded for children 4 years through grade five, provide learning activities that teach the children about music, about worship and about God. The time is divided between music education and missions education. Our children play desk bells and choir chimes and Orff instruments, they sing and recite, create and compose and they grow spiritually and musically and grow in their understanding of missions.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is the backbone of the Music Ministry at First Baptist. We rehearse at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesdays and lead worship nearly every Sunday morning. Strong fellowship and a mutual commitment to singing our best characterize our musical family. No audition is required. In the Chancel Choir of First Baptist you will find a meaningful avenue for musical expression of your faith in God.
Amazing Grace Chorale
The Amazing Grace Chorale is a choir for retired persons. On the 2nd, 4th and 5th Thursday of each month, we gather at the church to sing hymns of many sorts and sources. On the 1st Thursday, we host a musical half hour of hymn singing at NHC nursing home in Oak Ridge. On the 3rd Thursday, we sing with the residents at The Courtyards, an assisted living facility in Oak Ridge. On the 3rd Monday, we sing for the residents at Briarcliff nursing home in Oak Ridge. You are welcome to join us for any of these gatherings.
Chancel Bells
Our three octaves of Schulmerich handbells give the Chancel Bells an excellent instrument for their ringing skills. With a wide range of experience levels, this is a fun and intriguing group that ministers effectively when it performs, and receives the treasured benefits of fellowship and challenge in rehearsal. Your participation in this ensemble is enthusiastically welcomed! A basic ability to read music is necessary.