Music & Creative Arts

Reflections on W orship – Resolutions for More Meaningful Worship

by Phil
Greve

The beginning of a New Year is a time when many of us make resolutions to do something (or cut back on something)
to improve our lives or our relationships. A few months ago I attended a conference where I picked up some really
good tips that I’d like to pass on to you, ideas that can help you to have a stronger connection with God during
worship.
 Always strive toward knowing God more; even David never “arrived,” he was a man after God’s heart (1
Sam 13:14).
 You don’t have to be on American Idol to sing to God; nor should you critique others who are singing as if
you’re watching American Idol. Throughout scripture, God’s people sang to God; not just some, but all of
them.
 We are singing to God, not to others. Even David wasn’t concerned about pleasing others in his worship (2
Sam 6:14-16).
 Grow closer to God by spending more time in His creation (Ps 19:1-4).
 Our lives should match our worship; worship is not just about Sunday services, but also a life of faithfulness

W orship & Music Notes
For more information on any of the following, contact
Phil Greve, Director of Music and Creative Arts, at 407-
282-4368 or phil@spiritofjoy.org.
Joyful Noise – SoJ’s Sunday morning worship team
rehearses Thursdays from 7 - 9 p.m. in the worship
center. Members do not have to commit to being
involved every week, only as often as they are available.
We could always use additional musicians! Anyone
interested in joining this group needs to take a Musical
Gifts Assessment so that we may utilize your gifts in
the best way possible.
Media Ministry – More volunteers are needed!
We are looking for additional folks to join our team of
sound techs & computer techs. Prior experience or
training is helpful, but not necessary. We are also
looking to expand this ministry: keeping our web site
updated, running a video camera during services, or
creating short films.
Joy Singers – Spirit of Joy’s adult choir has met in
the past on a weekly basis, and at times on a short-
term basis for specific performance opportunities.
2009 saw a noticeable drop off in the number of
people interested in this group. If there are enough
people interested in re-starting this choir, to perform
occasional (monthly?) anthems or seasonal cantatas,
or both, we may get this group going again. If
interested, contact Phil. Also, look for an online survey
in January or early February.
Puppet Ministry – The focus of this ministry for the
rest of the school year will be on performing puppet
shows to reinforce the Sunday’s COOL lesson every
other week during the opening of Sunday’s COOL . If
you are interested in working with puppets, contact
Phil. No experience necessary!
Drama Team – SoJ’s Drama Team consists of writers
and actors who are interested in utilizing their talents
in short skits to enhance the worship experience. If
you would like to be involved in the Drama Team,
please contact Sandy and Doug Gaston at 407-382-
4027
SoJ Art Gallery - Enjoy the Winter Display on the
North end of the main hall! The purpose of SoJ’s Art
Gallery is to:
1. Recognize excellence in visual arts
2. Offer an outlet for artists in our community
3. Glorify God by displaying the gifts of the artists
Creative Arts Studio
If you are interested in any of the following, would like
more information or to sign up for lessons or classes at
the CAS, please call 407-282-4368 or email
CAS@spiritofjoy.org.
Private Music Lessons available –We have
instructors for almost any instrument, and voice. Due
to rising costs, we have had to increase our rates for
the first time since 2005. New rates are $18 per 30-
minute lesson for Spirit of Joy members (regular rate
$20). For hourly rates, contact the CAS office.
New Instructor! Due to overwhelming demand, the
CAS has hired a 5th piano instructor! In January, we
welcome Caroline Schneider to our studio. She is an
amazing young woman with a gift for piano and
teaching; she may eventually be seen playing with the
worship team in the future!
Private Art Lessons are available to anyone who
would like to have one-on-one art instruction with
Nancy Watson. Lessons are $22 per week for an hour
lesson ($19.80 for SoJ members). Limited times are
available, so call now!
New Children’s Art Class! – The CAS will offer
this class for ages 7-11, on Mondays from 3:30 – 5
p.m. The first session of the 7 week class will be on
February 1st. The cost is $70 ($63 for SoJ members)
+ $10 for supplies.
Support the Grace Rate Fund – Our Grace Rate
Funds are being used more and more in this economy,
so mark your calendars for an opportunity to have fun
and help keep these funds available to economically
stressed families. On May 22nd, in conjunction with
our Spring Recital and Art Show, artisans and crafters
will make a donation to reserve space to sell their
work that day.
Two W orship Form ats Offered
Spirit of JOY utilizes two Sunday worship formats.
There is some music overlap but the 9 a.m.
Blended Worship utilizes a more traditional “order”
of worship and a couple of spirited but traditional
songs. The 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship
utilizes a “worship and praise music set” and more
contemporary music.