FBC Ripley Music Ministry

Youth Choir Swimming Party

2007-07-31T08:06:00.000-06:00

Throughout the summer, the Youth Choir of the church has continued to meet on Sunday afternoons. Granted, we would miss a week on occasion for a church camp or mission trip; but for the most part, the group has met consistently at 4:30 on Sunday afternoons.

On Wednesday night, July 25th, the group was rewarded with a Swimming Party at the Ripley City Pool. This was also an opportunity for those promoting into the Youth Department this coming school year to participate in a youth sponsored event.

While the day had been hot, the pool was a bit cool when you first got into the water. And there seemed to be a cool breeze when you first got out. The water itself, however, was just right!

The question of the night was, "Have you ever seen anything this bright before?"

The answer, "No, we haven't. And hopefully we will never see it again!" Just ask Monkey.

Everyone enjoys the water slide. Can you guess who this is? Your answer

is one of the people listed below.

No, it wasn't Drew!

No, not Kevin, although he did come down the slide a lot that night.

Dylan? Are you kidding?

Surprise! It was Benjamin.

And what's a Youth Party without Pizza Hut Pizza? We had a little problem getting the pizza into the pool area. Seems the delivery guy had never been to the pool before. He had a hard time finding the gate that was unlocked. Strange since he only had two choices. But the pizza was good.

Paige seems to be enjoying it.

Next time, we will get more cheese pizza!

Come on, smile for the camera!

It was a good night and a good time of relaxation and fellowship.

Guess which one is wearing the speedos?

Is the pizza gone?

It was Emily's last activity with us before heading off to school.

We will really miss her and Kelley.

On the Sunday following the party, the choir sang for the Morning Worship Service at the church. We had two rows in the choir loft full, 26 young people, singing for the Lord's Supper Service. They did a tremendous job!

We will start a new year in Youth Choir, with new 6th graders on Sunday, August 5th. Until then........

Community Patriotic Service, 2007

2007-07-16T14:15:00.000-06:00

Wednesday Night, June 27th, the Music Ministry of the Ripley First Baptist Church hosted our annual Patriotic Service and Block Party. This has become a much anticipated event for our church and the community. The weather was hot, but a large crowd turned out to enjoy all the activities.

Norene Douglas and Carolyn Pilcher did their usual exceptional job in decorating for the event.

Even the Concession Stand looked ready to celebrate. (Look closely and you can see Darren cooling off inside the concession stand from the hot summer sun! "Hey, Darren! How's the ice cream taste?")

The Adult Choir and the Handbell Choir presented the musical, "One Nation Under God," beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. A special part of the musical was the recognition of all veterans that were present. During the sounding of taps, there wasn't a dry eye anywhere to be found. Both choirs did an exceptional job in presenting the music, and setting the atmosphere for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

The Handbell Choir began the program with an excellent ringing of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

The Adult Choir did an outstanding job presenting the music.

The Ripley High School Junior R.O.T.C. presented the colors for the program.

Veterans from the various branches of the service are recognized. (Not a very good picture, but you get the idea.)

Following the musical presentation, the activities moved to the outdoors for the Community Block Party. This is the 4th year to present the Block Party. Those present enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, popcorn, snow cones and ice cream treats. Rob Reviere provided cold water meleons for everyone to enjoy. On the outdoor stage, George Pruitt (Ben's brother); provided several gospel music songs for the crowd to enjoy. We knew George could do a great job playing the bass guitar, but he showed us that he had an excellent singing voice. Enjoy the following pictures taken at the Block Party. Our thanks to the Ripley Police Department for allowing us to close Lafayette Street for the entire day.

The weather was perfect for the evening activities as there was a pleasant breeze that set in right before sunsight. It was a wonderful time of celebration and fellowship for the church and community.

Waiting in line at the concession stand. (Notice Mark Harrison)

Dressing up the Hamburgers and Hotdogs.

Wayne and Gail Douglas enjoy a "lite" supper.

Children waiting in line to climb the Obstacle Coarse.

Coach Stephen Byrd has to decide between cherry or grape.

Amanda and Nan have the popcorn ready to go.

Novella enjoys a cool treat on a hot summer night!

The Children's Parade, although a late addition to the program, was a big hit.

A headless Gloria Hawks and her grandchildren.

Easy Rider, Part II!

Be Careful Not to Exceed the Speed Limit!

Jenny Hendren prepares to lead the motorized division of the parade.

But mostly the evening was about friends visiting and enjoying each other's company.

Marion Meibaum enjoying the evening.

Kaye, Polly, and Bonita are never at a loss for words.

Elizabeth Edwards can always find a friend.

We can only imagine what Phyllis and Pam are up to.

No way Drew Dedmon is sharing his hotdog.

Vaden Mills and Benjamin Elkins hop on for the ride.

Norman Hendren visits with the Mike Hutchison Family.

Diana and Lucy take a break in the concession stand to visit.

Brantley Morris and Judge Reviere enjoy the evening activities.

Finally, Mark can enjoy his hamburger.

Madison Parker proves that ice cream sandwiches really are good.

Grant Hawks wishes everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Youth Choir Weekend, Part 2

2007-01-30T11:25:00.000-06:00

On Sunday night, January 28th, our Youth Choir sang during the Evening Worship Service for those souls who were brave enough to venture out into the cold weather. We had a good number of our choir members participate in the 5:30 rehearsal and the 6:30 worship service. Following the service, all of the choir enjoyed a warming fellowship meal of hotdogs and chili in the Family Life Center.

The choir combined their voices with musicians of our Praise Band to sing an exciting arrangement of the spiritual "He Never Failed Me." Emily Herron did an outstanding job in singing the solos through the song. The choir also led the congregation in worship through some of their favorite songs: "Here I Am to Worship" and "The Potter's Hand." To close the service, the group, accompanied only by Marion Meibaum on piano, sang beautifully the benediction "May the Road Rise to Meet You."

(Emily does her warm-up exercises for her solo.)

Two impressions from Sunday night: First, I had just returned from a wonderful weekend at the Youth Project in Jackson, Tennessee. Over 500 singers beautifully singing 3 and 4 part harmony. Yet as I stood with our 25 singers, I was overcome with a sense of awe at the talent and commitment of our singers. I love their enthusiasm. I love their excitement. I love their desire for service. I love their voices when they sing. I just love being around them! And I am very proud and humbled to be able to serve as their director. What a group!

Secondly, they did an outstanding job on Sunday night! And they were excited, really excited about singing. They wanted to sing that song. And when they had done it, they were proud of what they had accomplished.

(Bro. David gives last minute instructions.)

God has blessed us at First Baptist. We have teenagers who are excited about their faith; who are excited about their God; and who want to use their talents (not just in music) to serve. And we, as adults, have an obligation to lead them, to encourage them, and to guide them as they seek out opportunities to share their faith, no matter what the medium. WHAT A RESPONSIBLITY!

Thank You, Youth Choir for the wonderful job you did on Sunday Night. Thank You, Marion for the wondeful way you assist with this group. And Thank You, Darren and Chrisie for being such encouragers and leaders to this great group of teens.

The Youth Choir, Winter, 2007

Youth Choir Weekend

2007-01-30T10:29:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, January 26th and 27th, four of Youth Choir members participated in the Youth Project for Youth Choirs at the West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. This event is sponsored annually by the Worship and Music Departments of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Union Department of Union University. Over 500 students from across the state of Tennessee participated in this glorious event.

Participating from our church were Emily Herron, Kelley Jones, Krystal Jones and Lauren Lambert. All of these girls have been active in our Youth Choir Ministry for several years now.

(Left to Right: Lauren, Krystal, Emily & Kelly)

Activities began on Friday night with sectional rehearsals, followed a mass choir rehearsal in the sanctuary of the West Jackson Church. It was a tremendous sound!!! Over 500 student voices singing three and four part harmony. Following the rehearsal, one of the visiting youth choirs from Columbia, Tennessee presented a couple of songs as well as a description of their choir's ministry. Then there was a devotion time led by Andy Neely, Minister to Students at the West Jackson Church. Following the devotion, another rehearsal and finally a Youth Celebration in the Sanctuary. The girls and their leader returned to the hotel about 11:00 p.m., where Phyllis and Benjamin Elkins had their rooms ready.

The schedule on Saturday didn't get any easier. Before lunch there was a fellowship time in the sanctuary, two rehearsals, one devotion time, and a concert by another of the participating youth choirs. This choir was from the Chattanooga area. After lunch, two more rehearsals, devotion, and a concert by Voices of Proclamation, a Union University music group.

(The cross at the back of the sanctuary was a
constant reminder of why we sing.)

The afternoon concluded around 4:00 p.m. with a recording session of the five songs that the group had rehearsed for the entire weekend. The C.D. Recordings will be published and made available to the participates in a few weeks.

(Look closely: Stephen Carroll leads the group in the large group rehearsal.)

Leading the mass youth choir for the weekend was Stephen Carrell, Minister of Music for 17 years at the First Baptist Church of San Antonio, Texas. Stephen did a wonderful job at motivating the youth to sing their very best. His personality and spirit made him the man for the weekend. And best of all, he and Bro. David may be kin!!! Really!!!!

(Stephen Carrell takes time for a picture with the girls.)

Overall, it was a wonderful time of music, worship and fellowship for the girls. It is hoped that their enthusiasm and excitement regarding the trip will encourage others to participate in this trip in 2008.

( One more picture.)

Youth Choir Christmas Party

2006-12-27T15:12:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday night, December 20th, our Youth Choir scheduled a night of Christmas caroling and partying. Richard and Norene Douglas were gracious enough to allow us to use their home for the party. The original plan was for the choir to carol in the Willow Creek community, then finish the night at the Douglas home with hot chocolate and snacks. Unfortunately, the weather decided not to co-operate.
The Douglas' were nice enought to allow us to use their home for the entire evening.
The Youth Choir sang several Christmas songs in the living room of the Douglas home before we enjoyed hot chocolate, pizza and other refreshments. Everyone really liked the chocolate fountain.

After everyone had consumed massive quantities of food, Mrs. Norene gathered everyone upstairs for a time of games and fellowship. Several people left with lots of prizes.

It was a wonderful time of fun and fellowship.
Our thanks to Richard and Norene for bravely opening up their home for use by the Youth Choir.
Enjoy the pictures.

Some of the adults tried to crash the party!!

Norene remained calm even though her home had just been invaded by 40 teenagers!

My momma always said, "You can't improve on sexiness!"

Please pass the pizza.

Bro. David trying out his new diet.

Everybody, please don't poke the bear!!!

More Chocolate, Please?

The secret key to any young man's heart.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....

All I want for Christmas is..........

I'm going on a trip and I'm gonna' take my cap....

"He knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!"

Rockin' around the Christmas tree.

Ho-Ho-Ho!

The rain stopped long enough for us to get this picture.

Choir Pictures, 2006

2006-12-22T16:15:00.000-06:00

The Preschool Choir, led by Beth Simpson.

Members of the Children's Choir, led by David & Phyllis Elkins.

More Children!

The Ladies' Ensemble, directed by Sharon Morris and accompanied by Marion Meibaum.

The Handbell Choir, before their Christmas Music Program on December 17th.

The Adult Choir with accompanists Harriet Shelby, Marion Meibaum and Martha Miller.

Saturday Night Dinner Theater

2006-12-22T15:34:00.000-06:00

The time for the doors to open on this year's Christmas Dinner Theater had finally come. Below you can enjoy some of the scenes from the Saturday night presentation. Each night, 140 people were treated to a wonderful meal and beautiful Christmas music by the Adult Choir, the Ladies' Ensemble, our Preschool Choir and the Children's Choir. Our thanks to J.B. Haynes and the Kitchen Staff (he only wanted Margaret Cepparalo and Mae Dunaway) for the food preparation. Thanks to JoAnne Lewis who organized our table servers. Thanks to all who helped decorate the Family Life Center and the Fellowship Hall. Thanks to Brantley Morris, III and Darren Dedmon who organized the kitchen and especially the clean-up. And a special thanks to all the choir members who helped all of this together.

Enjoy these images from the Saturday night presentation of our Dinner Theater. Our thanks to Seal Elder who took most of the pictures you are about to enjoy.

The Preschool Choir, under the leadership of Beth Simpson, kept everyone entertained.

Our guests anxiously await their delicious meal.

The Ladies' Ensemble gets ready to perform during the dinner.

All of our guests received first class service and left with a smile.

Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.

The Adult Choir took the stage after the meal and presented the musical, "Agnus Dei."

We remember those men and women who are unable to be home this Christmas while defending the cause of freedom around the world.

Christmas Dinner Theater, 2006

2006-12-22T14:54:00.000-06:00

Enjoy these pictures taken during our Christmas Dinner Theater, 2006. The dinner was held on Friday night, December 8th and Saturday night, December 9th. My thanks to Seal Elder who helped take a lot of the pictures that you will see in this post. Enjoy!

JoAnne Lewis, our Serving Queen prepares the salad plates for delivery to the tables.

J.B. Haynes takes a breathier before the rush begins in the kitchen.

George Grugett checks out the sound system before everyone enters the Fellowship Hall.

Castine Arnold checks out the serving tables to make sure the food stays hot.

Darren Dedmon was a big help throughout the entire week. REALLY!!! He was!

Livera Byers gets ready to take care of all the dirty dishes about come through.

Martha Haynes and Sue Newman share some conversation while getting the tea ready.

Table Servers Norene Douglas, Tut Cain and Terry Richards get ready for the crowd.

"I'm ready for my solo, Mr. Director."

Adrian Osborn works to get the ice in the glasses.

Getting Ready

2006-12-22T13:49:00.000-06:00

This year, our church's Music Ministry hosted our Christmas Dinner Theater. This special time of celebration has become one of the favorite Christmas traditions of our church.

Originally begun in 1993, it is a time where so many people from the church pool their talents to present a special Christmas gift to the Ripley community.

The Dinner Theater was held each year from 1993 until 1998 in the gym of the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. It was a monumental task to transform the stark, cold walls of the gym into a Christmas Wonderland. During these years, all the choirs of the church performed during the weekend celebration.

The Dinner Theater was quiet for a couple of years and brought back to life in 2001 with several changes. The Dinner was moved from the gymnasium into the Fellowship Hall of the Family Life Center. In the years 2001 and 2002, the musical celebration was held on three nights, Thursday, Friday and Saturday instead of the traditional two nights. The smaller, cozier atmosphere of the Fellowship Hall, however, allowed for more creativity in decorating. It also provided a "warmer, cozier" atmosphere for the entire weekend.

Another change was made in 2002, when the decision was made to offer this program every other year instead of every year. This decision was made easy with the decision of the church to renovate the church sanctuary in 2003.

Decoration of the Family Life Center began on Monday night, December 4th. Each night, a crew met at the Family Life Center to begin the transformation of the building. This year, the Fellowship Hall was decorated with simple red and green. More lights than usual were added to the outside of the Family Life Center, making it very beautiful at night.

Enjoy these pictures from the week of decorating and see the work that takes place in preparing the Family Life Center for this special week.

I wonder who this belongs to?

Gail Douglas eyes the Christmas tree in the foyer to determine the best place to hang the ornaments.

Wayne Douglas and Bobby Cain help Benjamin Elkins untangle the decorations for the tree.

Norene Douglas and Kay Grugett prepare the tables.

Bonita Fullen decides the perfect place for the candles and flowers.

Norene Douglas and Carolyn Pilcher make sure that everything is done right.

Gloria Hawks wonders what she is suppose to do with all these wires.

The perfect table setting, ready for our guests!

David's Reflections

2006-10-31T10:57:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday's worship was one of the special services. Could you sense it?

Maybe it was the anticipation of the Lord's Supper. Maybe it was because we had all the instrumentalists there and playing. Maybe the number of people in the congregation had something to do with it. Prehaps there was some residual effects held over from the Saturday Night Youth Worship.

Or maybe, just maybe, we were ready to see God!

In our staff meetings recently, we have had much discussion about worship, and more specifically what can we as a staff do to enable more freedom in worship. These discussions have provided for some interesting dialogue and reflection.

Sunday morning, it hit me. All we can do is come prepared to see God! Nothing more, nothing less. It helps when the music is uplifting and exciting. It helps that the people are singing and the choir is harmonizing. It helps that the message is inspiring. It helps that Terry Richards' can belt it out in a strong solo. But ultimately it comes down to me. Me wanting to see and experience God in all His splendor and glory. But even that can be a scary prospect.

There was a moment in the middle of the choir number, where I was transported to that place. That place where time and space stand still. That place where you are only aware of yourself and the presence of God. And in that moment, my song became the song that Terry and the choir were singing, "Lord, Have Mercy."

Do you remember the story of the prophet Isaiah when he stood before the Lord. You might want to refresh your memory of the story as I have this week. It's found in Isaiah 6. After the prophet had stood before the Lord, he had witnessed the angels, he had heard the "Holy, holy, holies." All he could say was "Lord, have mercy on me!" And God's response was "It is granted!" O, how He loves you and me!

I walked away from the service Sunday, somehow different. How about you?

Upcoming Events
All of our choirs will meet at their regular times this week.

We will begin taking reservations for the 2006 Christmas Dinner Theater this week.

The Tennessee Baptist Chorale will present their pre-convention concert on Sunday Night, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Humboldt. Listen for announcements about transportation for those wishing to go.

Ripley First Baptist Church will host the Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday Night, November 19th at 7:00 p.m. Bro. Randy Cooper, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church will be the speaker. There will be a community choir that will meet at 6:00 p.m.

God Bless!

Senior Adult Choir Visits Ripley Rehab

2006-10-28T14:26:00.000-06:00

The Senior Adult Choir visited with the residents of the Ripley Rehab and Residential Center this past Wednesday. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry. The choir shared several special musical selections with the residents. Then Mrs. Edith Harris played the piano and accompanied the group on several favorite hymns, including, "Love Lifted Me" and "Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound." The residents of the center enjoyed singing the "old" hymns, and they are really good singers.

Over the years it has amazed me at how a person can "come to life" when singing the songs of our Savior and Lord.

The Choir did an excellent job in leading the residents in the songs, even though we were few in number on this day.

Members of the Choir: (L.- R.) Mitch Dziedzic; Edith Harris;

Margaret Cepparulo; Carolyn Ammons and Elizabeth Mosley.

We were missing a couple of our regular members due to illnesses. Please pray for Mrs. Mildred Sellers and Mrs. Edna Meadows, both of whom were in the hospital at the time of the program.

The Senior Adult Choir will now begin work on programs to be presented at all the Ripley area nursing and residential centers during the Christmas season. The choir meets each Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the choir room of the church.

Margaret visits with a friend at Ripley Rehab.

Elizabeth helps one of the residents after the program.

Mitch chats with Ms. Lillie Reeves, a former member of

the Senior Adult Choir, now a resident of Ripley Rehab.

Introduction

2006-10-25T14:54:00.000-06:00

Wow! I have finally moved into the 21st century.

Welcome to the world of the Ripley First Baptist Church Music Ministry. The purpose of this page is to provide information and announcements regarding the Music Ministry of the church. Regular posts will be made to keep the information current. Announcments regarding upcoming events and services will be made. Stories about recent events will also be posted. There will also be opportunity for you to provide comment and opinion.

Our Music Ministry is always busy. It is hoped that this medium will allow us to keep in touch and current.

If you have any ideas about this page, please feel free to contact me.

Now let's start down this road together!!