Music Ministry
Welcome to the Music Ministry page! Christ Church has a long history of excellence in Music Ministry that dates back to 1903 with Rev. Samuel Leech who said, “Some action ought to be taken to improve our church music and provide a competent leader for the choir.” By 1904, the church’s first pipe organ was installed and Jennie Gilchrist was hired as the church organist. At that same time, George Thomas was hired as the first choir director. This initial step set us on the path of the Music Ministry we celebrate today.
What has helped the Music Ministry build an excellent program is the continuity of its leadership. Since 1933, there have only been four Directors of Music/Organist, and each of these four individuals, Charlie Greybill, Roy Knight, Peter DuBois and our current Minister of Music/Organist, Rev. David Donathan, have added their unique styles of leadership to add in the success of the ministry for over 90 years. We would love to have you join us and share your God-given gift of music in this place. For more information, please contact Rev. David Donathan at 304.342.0192, ext 210.
Rev. David Donathan, Director of Music Ministry
Music Ministry Groups & Ensembles
AWEnsemble
The AWEnsemble is the instrumental and vocal ensemble for the 8:45 Alternative Worship Experience (AWE) on Sunday mornings. This group offers music in multiple genres, but is most comfortable with contemporary repertoire.
Current instrumentation includes piano, electric keyboard, electric bass, acoustic guitar, and drums. This group is open to any instrumentalists or singers who would be interested in leading this service on a regular basis.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Rev. David Donathan, is the choir for the 11:00 traditional worship service. This group is open to anyone 18 years or older. No audition is required to join. All are welcome!
The Chancel Choir rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 from September to June. Childcare can be provided if requested in advance.
Chancel Ringers
The Chancel Ringers is an adult ensemble that plays 5 octaves of Schulmerich handbells. This advanced group frequently plays level IV and V handbell pieces during the 11:00 worship service. The membership in this group is limited to 13, but a list of potential members is always maintained.
This group rehearses weekly on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30, September through June, and is led by Rev. David Donathan.
Youth Choir
The youth choir consists of 6th-12th graders who are interested in singing in worship a few times per year.
This group meets on Sunday afternoons in conjunction with the activities of the church’s youth ministries. The youth choir is directed by Rev. David Donathan.
Youth Dance Ensemble
The Youth Dance Ensemble, led by Cecilia Ford, is a group open to 6th-12th graders who are interested in using movement to tell a story. Youth in this group learn the art of liturgical dance.
This group shares their talents during multiple worship services throughout the year.
Jubilate Children’s Choir
The Jubilate Children’s Choir, under the direction of Rev. David Donathan, is a music ensemble from children in grades K-5. This group meets on Sunday afternoons.
During Jubilate sessions, kids learn stories from the Bible, sing songs, and learn how to play instruments like the drums and xylophone. Basic music theory is also taught.
The Jubilate Children’s Choir performs in worship services multiple times throughout the year.
News & Events
Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival
Worship Arts Groups Resume for Fall
The Worship Arts ministry is excited to start our fall season this September! For more details about specific ministries and the days/times they meet, please click the Worship & Arts tab at the top of the page.
Please note the following important dates:
September 4: Chancel Ringers (5:30-6:25) and Chancel Choir (6:30-8:00) Rehearsals Resume
September 15: Children and Youth Ensembles Resume (Sunday afternoon)
This fall, we will also resume the Acolyte Ministry for grades 3-8 and the Cross Bearer Ministry for grades 9-12. Be on the lookout for more information regarding registration, or contact the church office if you are interested.
Alter Flowers
The Worship Arts Team would like to encourage members and friends of Christ Church to sponsor altar and/or font flowers on Sunday mornings during 2024. In the United Methodist Church, there is an understanding that altar flowers should be live flowers, not artificial, as discussed in the book, “United Methodist Altars.” Altar flowers are $70 for two arrangements. Font flowers, a larger single arrangement, is also $70. The Worship Arts Team relies on the generosity of the congregation for this. Otherwise, costs for the weekly altar flowers are covered by the Worship Arts annual budget. The new website does not have the altar flowers calendar available yet, but we are working on that. In the meantime, if you would like to sponsor altar flowers, please call Ronda in the church office at 304.342.0192, ext. 223. You can also send an email to office@ccumwv.org to reserve your special Sunday.
Important Fall/Winter Worship Arts Dates
Chancel Choir Resumes – September 4, 6:30pm
Chancel Ringers Resume Rehearsals – September 4, 5:30pm
Children and Youth Rehearsals Resume – September 15, afternoon
World Communion Sunday – October 6
All Saints Sunday – November 3
Christ the King Sunday – November 24
First Sunday in Advent – December 1
38th Annual Lessons and Carols Service – December 8, Prelude 4:00, Service at 4:30
Christmas Eve Worship, Tuesday, December 24, 5:00pm & 11:00pm
2025 Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival – January 10 and 11 @ 7:00 PM
Acolyte and Cross Bearer Ministries
The acolyte ministry at Christ Church is open to all children/youth in grades 3-8, and the Cross Bearer Ministry is open to 9th-12th graders. It is never too late to join this group! Contact the church office if you are interested.
Summer Music and Arts Camps
For the past two summers, the Worship & Arts team has sponsored a summer Music and Arts Camp for local children. The theme for the 2023 camp was Appalachian Heritage, and the theme for the 2024 camp was cultures in the Far East.
These camps were led by Rev. David Donathan, Ashley Wood, and multiple church members who are active in the Worship & Arts Ministry. Students who attended the camps participated in multiple fun activities throughout the week including: crafts, storytelling, dancing, drumming, and game playing. On Friday, the children gave a short performance showcasing everything they learned and created at camp during the week. Be on the lookout for more information regarding the Music and Arts camp for Summer 2025, which will have an Irish/Celtic theme!