Music Ministry
Music is a vibrant part of every worship service at Portage UCC expressing our faith relationship with God. Our music program includes our Covenant Choir, three bell choirs, an instrumental ensemble and a youth praise band and invites everyone with a passion for music to participate. We have opportunities for all who wish to share their musical talents in worship, led by Michael Wheaton, Director of Music Ministry.
Covenant Choir
Our Covenant Choir is open to all interested singers from high school through adult. Rehearsals are in the sanctuary on Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30, September through May. The choir sings an average of three Sundays per month and presents two large works per year. Experience is helpful but NOT required! Michael Wheaton, Choir Director, invites you to join this fun fellowship of dedicated people who freely share their God-given talents.
Youth Music
Our Youth Music Ministry welcomes singers and instrumentalists in grades 7-12 who want to offer their talents in a Praise Band format. The band, G3 (God-Given Gifts), is directed by John Stoll and practices from 5:30- 6:30 on Sunday night. G3 leads the Youth Praise & Prayer time before youth group on Sunday nights and plays about once a month during Sunday morning worship service. In addition, PUCC is interested in offering additional opportunities for musicians in grades 6-12 to share their God-given talents.
Instrumental Ensemble
Do you play an instrument? Do your children play in their school band or orchestra? Karen Woodworth, Instrumental Director, invites you and your family members and friends to play in our Instrumental Ensemble. We play in worship about once a month, September through May, and we rehearse Wednesday evenings, 6:45PM – 7:45PM.
Praise Ringers
The Praise Ringers are a medium-level handbell ringing group including ringers who have some previous musical background with either handbells or another musical instrument. If you are in 8th grade or older, have some musical qualifications and can commit to be at all weekly practices, we would love to have you join us. Practices are every Thursday from 6:30PM – 8:00PM and Linda Holzwarth is the Director of the bell choirs. We have lots of fun, fellowship and joy while B-Ringing our Praises to Our God and the congregation. Please join us!
ACT Ringers
ACT stands for Adult, Child & Teenager or As Christ Teaches! This group learns to ring English handbells using beginning music and a minimal amount of special techniques. No previous musical experience is necessary to make beautiful music with the ACT Ringers. We welcome elementary students (2nd grade & up), middle school and high school students, as well as any adults who are young at heart. At every practice we remember that God only hears the right notes!!! Rehearsals are held in the music rehearsal room Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Golden Ringers
This is our newest bell choir for adults 55 and older who wish to learn a new instrument or rediscover the joy of making music with a great group of people. No previous music experience is necessary. Both practice and performances will be done from the comfort of a seated position. Join us for fun, laughter, and practice on Sunday morning before or after the church service.