The Arts Ministry consists of vocal choirs, handbell choirs, instruments, and drama classes. Our goal is to teach students what it means to worship God through music and drama, in their personal lives, in the context of the church, and in the world outside of our church building.  The ministry also exists to provide music during services that enhances worship by pointing to our God and to His Word, provide opportunity for those with musical gifts to give them back to the Lord by sharing them with the congregation, provide training for those with gifts to improve their talents, and to provide Christian fellowship.  

Vocal choirs teach the importance of using our voices to praise God and lead others in worship through teaching the techniques of singing and music reading and learning various styles of music. 

Handbell choirs provide an opportunity to learn/strengthen music reading and play in an ensemble setting while learning to lead others in the worship of God with instruments. 

ALL CLASSES ARE ON TUESDAYS. 

Why do we offer an Arts Ministry Program? 

Because we believe that encouraging music learning in the context of the church is important. Children have been educated musically and participated in worship throughout church history and should continue to do so in the modern church. 

The graded vocal choirs develop the child’s voice and music reading through a progressive curriculum. 

The Kodály Method uses the natural progression of vocal expression and rhythmic learning to develop the musical child. 

The Orff Method uses rhythm instruments and xylophones to accompany singing. 

Repertoire for the choirs’ stem from hymns, catechisms, praise songs, and octavos. 

The curriculum is used to undergird an understanding of what it means to worship God through music.

Our Programs

Child’s Praise: Under 3 years 

Child’s Praise is an 8-week/two semester class designed to teach the adults in the life of the child how to play musically with the child. Using music of our Christian history such as hymns and childhood tunes, the child is guided in movement, vocal play, and instrument exploration. 

Cherub Choir: 3-5 years 

Cherub Choir teaches basics of music reading and vocal training using the methods of   Kodály and Orff.  The choir is taught about the worship of God through music and are given a couple of opportunities to participate in the evening church service.   

Angel Choir: K5-1st grade 

Angel Choir continues with music reading vocal training with Kodály and Orff methods. They are introduced to hand chimes and vocal repertoire. The choir participates in the Sunday Morning Worship Service. Hymns and vocal pieces are taught as part of the repertoire. 

Joyful Choir: 2nd-3rd grade 

Joyful Choir is exposed to two-part singing and collaborative music with other choirs. They continue to develop music reading together with participation in the Joyful Bells.  There is an emphasis on leading others in worship with an increased participation in Sunday Morning Worship Service. 

Trinity Choir: 4th-6th grade 

Trinity Choir exposes the students to more advanced music reading and three-part singing.   The choir will experience more opportunities to lead in the worship service. 

Youth Choir: 7th-12th grade 

Youth Choir supports the changing voice as a four-part choir. This choir covers vocal music from different eras of church history including hymns and contemporary praise music.  The Youth Choir explores more responsibility in the worship service and occasionally collaborates with the Adult Choir 

Angel Chimes, Joyful Bells, Trinity Bells, Ringers 

Bells have been used by the church to summon church members to attention. They have announced births, deaths, warning to the town, the end of war, and call to worship. In this tradition, our bell choirs are designed to teach our children to read music and to participate in the worship service. The handbell choirs are a graded choirs beginning with Angel Chimes which meets during the choir time, through Ringers whose members are 7th-12th grade.  

In addition to the Music and Drama groups listed above there are opportunities for vocalists and instrumentalists to present special music and offertories. A rotation of organists, pianists and sound reinforcers share those responsibilities for worship services. Each area of the Arts Ministry is open to new participants. Please contact Veronica Allison for Children’s Music, Esther Servais for theatre Arts and Jonathan Allison for all other Arts Ministry interests.

Drama classes expose students to the world of theatre, build confidence through the mechanics of acting, and seek to develop community within the body of Christ. 

Why Do We Offer a Theatre Program? 

In the New Life Theatre Ministry, we believe that encouraging creativity and freedom of expression within the bounds of God’s revealed will in the Scriptures is a vital way to glorify God. He is the Creator who designed our minds, our imaginations, and the very principles of artistic creation. Our theatre ministry provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore their God-given creativity while growing in both faith and confidence. 

This program is more than theatre—it is a community within our larger church family, offering opportunities for ministry, outreach, and personal growth. Through age-appropriate activities and productions, participants are guided to step out of their comfort zones at their own pace, developing skills in communication, teamwork, and public speaking, all while learning to share their faith in a winsome way. 

Most importantly, everything we do is centered on bringing glory to God. Our prayer is that each actor leaves their time in the New Life Theatre Ministry with a deeper understanding of the truth of creation, the fall, and redemption, what that means for them as followers of Christ, and with the confidence to share that truth with others. 

Our Programs 

Drama Tots (K5–1st Grade) 

Drama Tots engages our youngest participants through guided play, movement, and simple storytelling. Children begin to discover the joy of creativity as a gift from God while nurturing imagination, confidence, and faith in a fun, Christ-centered environment. 

Theatre Explorers (2nd–6th Grade)

Theatre Explorers helps elementary-age children grow in creativity and teamwork through improvisation, character exploration, and storytelling. Rooted in biblical values, this program teaches self-expression while practicing kindness, courage, and collaboration. 

Teen Drama (7th–12th Grade)

Teen Drama provides a Christ-centered community for teens to develop confidence, skill, and spiritual depth. Through character work, script study, and performance technique, participants learn to use their talents to honor God while forming meaningful connections with others.

Vocal & Handbell Choirs and Drama Groups  * Choirs meet each Tuesday Sept.-May