Music & Theater Arts Ministry

We have a vibrant and growing music and performing arts program at MCC of the Spirit, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Lawrence F. Keiser II. Our mission is to share our pride & faith through song, theater, instruments and dance; to encourage believers in their walk with Christ; to lead the congregation in worship; to provide an avenue through which individuals may share their gifts; and to be an integral part of worship & the community.

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VOICES OF SPIRIT

Psalm 95: 1-2

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before God’s presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto God with psalms."

Mission/Vision Statement:

The choir is the primary vehicle used in our outreach. Our mission is to:

To exalt God by utilizing our musical gift to sing God’s praise and tell of God’s salvation, goodness and love through songs. Our goal is that our songs are pleasing to God and that they will mellow the hearts of the unsaved (especially young people).

To glorify Jesus Christ by allowing Him to use the choir as a tool by working through each individual choir member to:

Be effective in our ministry to our congregational family through the worshipful singing and leading of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Prepare the hearts of the congregation to receive and apply the Word of God.
Foster a healthy and vibrant ministry within the music ministry family.
Be an example to the other members of the body at Metropolitan Community Church of the Spirit and in the greater Harrisburg community by the testimony of their lives.
Be fully committed and faithful in attending rehearsals and services.
Be in total communication of unavoidable tardiness and absences.
Provide responsible and sensitive shepherding by the appointment of the pastoral staff.
Strive for excellence in all corporate and individual endeavors relating to the Music Ministry.
To show their support and pride in the community as representatives and ambassadors of not only MCC of the Spirit, but also of the LGBTQIAA+ community at large.

The fulfillment of our mission is dependent upon an earnest commitment from each choir member to God, the church and community and to the standards of the choir and the procedures set forth by the Minister of Music.

The choir rehearses Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 9 pm and sings not only at Sunday services, but also in the community for events such as World Religions Day, Race Unity Day, Voices United (Harrisburg's Pride Concert), and other events throughout the year. They also participate in musicals, cantatas, and concerts throughout the year. The choir not only sings the Anthem multiple times per month, but also helps to lead the congregation in worship. We sing a wide variety of music from traditional to contemporary, classical to gospel, jazz, and at times secular (when appropriate). At various times throughout the year we collaborate and join forces with other choirs and singers to enhance our mission. You don’t have to be a trained vocalist, or even able to read music. You must have a heart for worship and a desire to make a “joyful noise.”

SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT

Sharing the same goals as the choir, the band is an integral part of our weekly worship experience. We have members with a variety of experience levels and abilities. Most played in high school and decided to pick up their instrument after 15+ years of not playing. Some are playing instruments they have never imagined they’d be working with. Our goal is to enhance the music and worship at MCC of the Spirit by providing accompaniments for worship music, congregational singing, soloists, and sometimes with the choir. We play a variety of music that fits in very well with our blended worship setting. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 6-7pm, and a brief warm-up rehearsal Sunday morning.

STAGE RIGHT

Our theater arts ministry had its debut during the Christmas season of 2017 with their short musical comedy, Behind the Pageant. In 2018, we performed our first full length musical comedy, Bethlehem’s Big Night. Throughout the year members of this ministry perform in skits during worship and at least one musical. Rehearsals are called as needed for performances and are usually held on Sunday afternoons to try to accommodate busy schedules.

MULTIMEDIA & SOUND

MCC of the Spirit is a progressive church and because of this we are dedicated to using the various aspects of multimedia, lighting and sound equipment as part of our ministry. With the recent installation of camera equipment, we are able to now share God’s love for ALL people throughout the world through our pastor’s message

SPIRIT RINGERS

Our bell choir, though still in its infancy stages, continues to progress by leaps and bounds when they play. We currently have three octaves of hand bells and are learning to ring. Whether you are an experienced ringer, or have never picked up a bell, you are welcome to join with us in ringing praises. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30pm. You don’t have to know how to read music but must be willing to learn.

CANTOR

Do you have a strong, singing voice and vocal lead abilities? If so, you may want to consider becoming one of our cantors. Following the same mission statement as the choir, Cantors rehearse with the band and choir on Thursday evenings (as scheduled) and assist Rev. Lawrence in leading music during worship services. Cantors will be requested to sing solos and duets periodically, and at times to sing with the choir for special events.