Music and Worship Arts
Share Your Love of God Through Music
At FVUMC, music and worship are at the heart of who we are. Whether you love traditional hymns, modern worship, or working behind the scenes, there’s a place for you to serve and grow.
Our Music and Worship Ministries welcome all ages and skill levels to use their gifts in both traditional and contemporary settings—inside the church and throughout the community.
Contemporary Music
Praise Choir and Vocal Team
Our Praise Choir and Vocal Team lead music for contemporary services, bringing energy and authenticity to worship.
- Praise Choir is open to everyone from 6th grade and up—no experience necessary.
- Participation in the Band or Vocal Team require some prior experience, but those growing their skills are encouraged to rehearse alongside the group.
Thursday night rehearsals offer a space for prayer, devotions, fellowship, and community, making this more than just a practice—it’s a time of spiritual connection.
Praise Band
Our Praise Band provides the instrumental foundation for contemporary worship, creating a powerful and cohesive sound that supports our congregation in praise.
This team is made up of guitarists, keyboardists, drummers, bass players, and other musicians who serve with both excellence and humility. Participation requires prior experience.
Thursday night rehearsals are a time to sharpen musical skills, align as a team, and prepare intentionally for Sunday worship. Alongside practice, we share in prayer and encouragement, building not just strong arrangements, but strong relationships.
If you’re an experienced musician with a heart for worship, we invite you to consider using your gifts as part of the Praise Band. Growing musicians are welcome too, and we'd love to help you hone your skills by rehearsing with the team.
Traditional Music
Our traditional music program includes the Traditional Choir, Handbell Ensembles, Chime In music outreach ministry, and the Instruments of Praise Orchestral Ensemble.
Traditional Choir
Traditional Choir meets Wednesday evenings for rehearsal, fellowship, prayer, and devotions. No experience is required—just a willing heart to sing and serve.
Handbells
Adult Handbell Ensembles meet on Sunday afternoons to prepare music for worship. The bell ensembles are open to new members as space allows, welcoming various skill levels. Substitute ringers also welcome!
Chime In!
Chime In uses hand chimes and simple hymn arrangements to share joy at local nursing and retirement facilities. The group meets Monday mornings and welcomes newcomers of all skill levels. No musical experience required!
Instruments of Praise
Instruments of Praise is FVUMC's instrumental ensemble and prepares music for Sunday worship and special services. New members, with previous experience on their instrument, are welcome. All ages and all orchestra and band instruments are invited to participate. Rehearsals alternate between Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.
Short-Term Opportunities
Vocalists and Instrumentalists who would like to sing or play in worship but are looking for a short term commitment, are invited to take part in seasonal special music offerings for Christmas and Holy Week that combine Contemporary and Traditional styles and vocal and instrumental musicians.
There are also occasional opportunities, especially in the summer months, for special solo and small ensemble pieces. If you have a sacred song you would like to share, we'd love to have you enhance our Sunday worship or special service.
Behind The Scenes
Tech Team
This team coordinates the sound, lighting, visuals, and online streaming for worship services and special events. Roles include Audio Mixer, Camera Operator, Visual Media Operator, and Online Production roles. Training is provided, and both adults and youth (6th grade and up) are welcome to join.
Hospitality
Our Hospitality Teams create a warm and welcoming atmosphere every Sunday. Opportunities include serving as Ushers, Greeters, Coffee Hosts, or members of the Connections and Visitors Tent teams. Volunteers can also help with morning setup and teardown, ensuring everything runs smoothly for worshippers.
Communion
The Communion Team prepares and serves communion during worship—weekly in Traditional Services and on the first Sunday of each month in Contemporary Services. Training is provided, and all are welcome to participate.
Sacred Settings
This creative group designs and prepares the visual elements that enhance our worship spaces—from banners and paraments to altar arrangements.
The team works throughout the year, especially during Advent and Lent, ensuring that every season is reflected beautifully in our worship environment. Bring your love for creativity and attention to detail.
At FVUMC, we believe worship is not a performance but a community offering to God.
Whether you sing, play, serve, or support, you are part of something sacred, helping others encounter the grace and presence of Jesus Christ through music, prayer, and fellowship.
For Children and Youth
We believe in raising up the next generation of worship leaders through music, creativity, and faith.
Kids NPraise
Kids N’ Praise (Ages 4–8th Grade) meets Wednesday afternoons during the school year. This dynamic program includes choir, handbells, handchimes, instruments, drama, movement, Bible lessons, and games. Children work toward two full musical productions each year and participate in Sunday worship.
Pulse
Pulse (6th–12th Grade) is our Youth Praise Team, including band, vocal team, and choir. Rehearsals are held Sunday afternoons before Lifeline (our weekly youth large group gathering). Band (guitar, bass, keyboard, drums) members require some prior experience, and we welcome all to rehearse with the team while they are growing their skills. New members are welcome at any time.
Rebellations
Rebellations (6th–12th Grade) is our Youth Handbell Choir, open to all experience levels. Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons during the school year after Lifeline (our weekly youth large group gathering), creating a consistent rhythm of community, learning, and worship.
Youth Tech Team
The Youth Tech Team manages sound, lighting, visuals, and online streaming for worship services and special events.
Roles include Audio Mixer, Camera Operator, Visual Media Operator, and Online Production. Training is provided, and youth in 6th grade and up are welcome to join.
Youth are also welcome to participate in any of our adult choirs, orchestras, or contemporary worship teams. These cross-generational experiences help young people grow in confidence, musicianship, and faith as they learn to lead the congregation in worship.
When Worship Calls, Don’t Ignore the Sound
Maybe you’ve felt it—a tug when the music swells or when a song lifts your spirit and you wish you could be part of it. But something holds you back. You might think you:
- Don’t sing well enough
- Are too busy
- Have waited too long since the last time you picked up your instrument
The truth? God doesn’t need perfection, just a willing heart.
At Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church, our Music and Worship Ministries invite you to use your gifts to glorify Jesus Christ and inspire others to draw near to the living God.
We’ll help you find your place to serve, learn, and lead, surrounded by a welcoming family of worshippers.
Let us know if you're ready to find your place in worship.
Does Your Heart Want to Praise the Lord?
Anyone with a heart to praise can get involved, whether you sing, play an instrument, or simply want to grow closer to God through worship.
If you’ve ever felt joy in music, this is your invitation to explore it more deeply. You’ll find mentors, friends, and spiritual growth as you participate in something eternal—the praise of the Lord.
If it sounds like you could bring your gifts, passion, or curiosity, we’re here to help you find:
- Renewed sense of purpose through worship.
- Deeper awareness of God’s presence in every rehearsal and service.
- Loving community that celebrates your gifts and walks with you in faith.
Step into the joy of serving God through music.
Why FVUMC’s Music and Worship Ministries Feel Like Home
- Inclusive for Every Age and Ability - Children, youth, and adults each have unique opportunities to participate—from Kids N' Praise to the Traditional Choir to the Praise Team Band.
- Rooted in the Wesleyan Spirit of Joyful Praise - We believe singing is prayer and that music is central to worship. Every note reflects the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy of salvation.
- Opportunities Across All Styles of Worship - Traditional and contemporary services, vocal and instrumental ensembles, drama and sacred settings—there’s a place for every musician and worshipper.
- A Heart for Service - Beyond the platform, you can serve on Communion Teams, Sacred Settings, the Tech Team, or our Hospitality Teams, ensuring that worship flows beautifully for all who attend.
- Led by Passionate Ministry Leaders - Our directors and pastors are experienced worship leaders who equip volunteers to grow spiritually and musically as part of a united ministry.
Step into your calling to worship God with your whole self.
How You Can Get Started
Are you ready to experience worship in a way that goes beyond just attending?
At FVUMC, our Music and Worship Ministries are not about performance—they’re about presence. We understand what it means to long for deeper connection, to bring your heart before God, and to help others do the same.
Our pastors, musicians, and volunteers have spent years building a ministry that honors every voice and welcomes every hand willing to serve.
You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be present. God will do the rest.
Reach Out
Contact our music team or fill out the online connect card.
Explore Your Fit
Attend a rehearsal, meet the directors, and discover which group matches your gifts and schedule.
Participate and Grow
Join in worship, develop your skills, and lead others into praise.
Don’t wait to use your gifts—God is ready to meet you where your song begins.
Common Questions About Worship Arts
Do I need experience to join?
No! Most of our choirs and ensembles welcome all skill levels. Training and mentoring are available for new members.
What’s the time commitment?
Rehearsals are typically once a week, with opportunities to serve on Sundays and at special events.
Can children and youth participate?
Absolutely. Kids NPraise and Pulse are designed for ages 4–18 to learn, share, and lead in worship. Many of our adult ensembles are intergenerational and welcome youth participation as well.
I’m not musical—can I still serve?
Yes! Join our Tech Team, Sacred Settings, Communion Teams, or Hospitality Teams. Every role in worship matters.
How can I contact someone for more information?
Fill out our Connect Card or email our team through the church website to connect with a ministry leader.
Staff Contacts
Jennifer Harrenstein
- Contemporary Band
- Contemporary Vocal Team and Praise Choir
- Pulse Youth Praise Team
- Youth Rebellations Handbell Choir
- Kids 'NPraise
Carol Stephenson
- Traditional Choir
- Adult Handbell Ensembles
- Chime In Music Outreach
- Instruments of Praise
- Communion Team
- Sacred Settings Team
Rev. Melanie Sebastian Stafford
- Ushers
- Greeters
- Coffee
- Connections
- Visitors Tent
- Morning Setup and Tear Down
Kyle Kikendall
- Tech Team
- Youth Tech Team
- IT Team