“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
Psalm 100
Music is integral to our worship, providing the means to express what, in faith and in life, often transcends the capacity of mere words to capture. We sing together a blend of music from around the world and more traditional hymns. We use the current Presbyterian Church (USA) hymnal, Glory to God.
Under the direction of Dr. Cynthia Sheppard, the Chancel Choir meets to rehearse at 9:00am each Sunday to prepare anthems in a variety of musical styles. The Chancel Choir regularly sings for the 10:30am service and supports our congregational singing from the pews.
Members and friends of Central are invited and encouraged to share their musical talent with the faith community by working with Dr. Sheppard and organist Dr. Ann Marie Rigler to offer their gifts in worship.
The four octave Handbell Choir meets to rehearse on select Saturday mornings to prepare for music leadership in Worship at least quarterly.
“The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: ‘He is good; his love endures forever.’”
2 Chronicles 5:13
The centerpiece of the sanctuary’s chancel is the console for a thirty-four rank Austin pipe organ. A Yamaha C – 6 (7′) grand piano allows for different music styles and also organ/piano duets. Four octaves of Schulmerich handbells plus two octaves of hand chimes add another musical dimension to our worship.
Different seasons call for special music. In December, special Sunday morning services for Hanging of the Greens and Decorating the Christmas Tree are carried by the singing and hearing of Advent and Christmas music. Other services whose meaning is enhanced by choral and instrumental music include Maundy Thursday during Holy Week and a Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m., December 24.