Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church

“The Church where Christ is exalted and

Culture is remembered”
_____________________________________________________

Music/Worship Ministry

2011
Handbook

The Rev. Mr. Samuel T. Ross-Lee—Pastor

William H. Acosta, Sr.—Minister of Music

20
 Greetings!
Let’s go to the next level in 2011!!
 All talking stops during the service. (remember that you are
Welcome to Immanuel’s Music/
being videotaped) – unless you are encouraging the preacher
Worship Ministry. “Let the beauty or the soloist.
of the Lord be upon us, and estab-
lish Thou the work of our hands”  All cell phones off or on vibrate – NO TEXTING DURING
Psalm 90:17. Truly, the Lord has SERVICE!!!
blessed the work of our hands over
past year.. Now as we move forward in the days ahead in 2011,  When the service has ended, remember to pick up any
we expect great things! belongings, candy wrappers, etc. Please leave all hymn
books and Bibles on top of the chairs, not on the floor.
This handbook is designed to give you the very basics of the
operation and structure of IBC’s Music/Worship ministry,
with a thrust to clarify each segment.

This handbook will answer the frequently asked questions by

new members and others already involved in ministry.

Please. . .let us keep these few things in heart and demon-

trate them throughout the year:

1. Commitment to our call (Philippians 3:13-14)

2. Bear hardships we may face together (2 Tim. 2:2)
3. Be alert to change (1st Corinthians 9:20-22)

We sincerely solicit your prayers as we minister together as

conduits of the Holy Spirit, edifying our congregation and
reaching spiritual maturity among ourselves!

Ministers William & Gayle Acosta

Minister & Assistant Minister of Music

2 19
 4.3 Sunday Decorum Points to Remember
 Gather in the downstairs room at 9:00a.m. instead of in the rear
entrance narthex.

 For those in Sunday School, meet in the choir room at

9:15a.m. for prayer and final music touch-ups.

 The choir stands up and joins in during Praise & Worship.

watch your director or simply join in the singing with the
Praise Team.

 The choir stands up and sits down together – watches the

director. Make sure your seat is free of books, lyric sheets,
pocketbooks, etc. before you stand up so that you are not
trying to clear them away when it‘s time for you to sit back
down.

 Everyone sings during the routine songs we do every Sunday

The Gloria Patri, the Welcome Song, and the offering Doxology.

 If you are late, come into the choir stand during the welcome of
visitors/Welcome Song. If you arrive after the welcome, lay out
from participating in the choir.

 Once in the choir stand, stay in the choir stand. If you have to
step out after the sermonic selection because of work or other
urgent, unavoidable commitment, please notify the choir director
or the Minister of Music in advance.

 Wait for the signal to stand when the pre-sermonic scripture

is about to be read – watch Min Acosta.

 Stay awake at all times—remember that you are examples

setters to the congregation and that your are being video taped;
get a good night‘s sleep on Saturday night!

18 3
 Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church 4.2 Quarterly Newsletter—“The Rhythm”

Music/Worship Ministry
Purpose
Our primary purpose is to discern the will of God for this ministry
through prayer and fasting, and to be obedient to the leading of the
Holy Spirit.

The IBC Music/Worship ministry‘s secondary purpose is to

strengthen the worship and spiritual vitality of Immanuel Mission-
ary Baptist Church by keeping God in the center of the ministry,
through music that is biblically based and theologically sound.

Ministry Vision & Strategy

(“Without a vision the people perish” – Proverbs 29:18)
Our vision is to participate in the mission, message and ministry of
Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church.
The Newsletter will be printed and distributed primarily to highlight
Our strategy is to share with our congregation the attributes of God Programs and/or objective and plans of the ministry through the
by ministering music thematically, in a way that will engage the year. It will keep the community and congregation abreast of the
whole person -- mind, soul & body (language/expressions), result- ―happenings‖ in the ministry.
ing in renewed passion for the worship, witness and work of Jesus
Christ.
Automated Call System:
In obedience to Ephesians 5:19 (Speaking to yourselves in psalms
The call system will be utilized to reach everyone with quick
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your changes in schedule and cancellations when necessary.
heart to the Lord), we are energetic about–and absolutely encour-
age–both singing and learning of the great hymns of the past and Drop Box:
their history. We foster hymn singing as one of our current expres- The Drop Box is located downstairs, outside the Music Ministry‘s
sions of worship. office. It will contain hard copies of calendars and lyrics available
for pick-up and any time.
In obedience to Ephesians 5:21 (submitting yourselves one to an-
other in the fear of God), we also seek to hear God when listening
to one another, when sharing our experiences with God, prayer and
ministry, and when supporting the spiritual growth of this minis-
try. We trust God who leads; we work to help each other follow.
The IBC Music/Worship Ministry is open to all who have the
spiritual conviction to share their musical gifts/skills with the IBC
congregation.
4 17
 WHAT’S NEW

4.1 Acosta Ministries Internet Access

Remember the Big P.L.U.S. +
Prayer The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much (James 5:16)

THE BIG PLUS

Love And above all things have fervent charity
among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (I Peter 4:8)

Unity And when the day of

Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place
(Acts 2:1)

Spirit
As we move forward into 2011, access to some information about
the Music Ministry is being made available online. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring
one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord
The Acosta family personal web site, www.acostaministries.org, con- (Romans 12:11)
tains the family music activity schedule. This calendar format is replac-
ing the Music Ministry calendar previously distributed in hard copy.
Simply click on ―Music Ministry Calendar‖ on the left side menu and
the calendar will appear.

+
Hard copies of the current online calendar are always available outside
the Music Ministry room on the drop box.

It is strongly recommended to check the online calendar often, as re-

hearsal or program date/time changes or cancellations can occur on
short notice.

This handbook is also available on the site. Simply click on ―2011

Handbook‖ on the top menu of the home page.

16 5
 Table of Contents
1 Mass Choir ................................................................................. 7
1.1 Summer Choir ........................................................................ 7
2 Choir Rehearsal Logistics ....................................................8, 9
Intercessory Prayer Cycle ...........................................................9
2.1 IBC Choir ........................................................................... 10
2.2 Children’s Choir ................................................................ 10
2.3 ERB Praise Connection Choir .......................................... 11
2.4 Young Adults’ Choir.......................................................... 12
2.5 Men’s Chorus ..................................................................... 13
3.1 Praise Teams...................................................................... 13
3.2 Praise Hymn Singers .......................................................... 14
3.3 Band .................................................................................... 14
3.4 Liturgical Ensemble ........................................................... 14
3.5 Youth Praise Dancers ........................................................ 15
3.6 Performing Arts Ministry/Production/Drama ................ 15
4. Stage Manager
4.1 Acosta Ministries Website ................................................ 16
4.2 Quarterly Newsletter ........................................................ 17
4.3 Sunday Decorum ............................................................... 18
6 15
Performing Arts (continued) / Stage Manager
3.5 Youth Praise Dancers
The Youth Praise Dancers minister on fifth Sundays and on special
Sundays (Church & Pastor‗s Anniversary, Easter, etc.). The Youth
Praise Dancers are an excited, fervent group of young people who
share their evolving praise and skill through expressive dance!
Youth Praise Dancers’ Facilitator: Ms. Tiffany Smith
Adult Supervisor: Rose Hazel
3.6 Performing Arts Ministry/Productions/Drama
The Performing Arts Ministry (PAM) seeks to bring creative wor-
ship to our congregation by introducing theatre as a method for
worship. PAM also seeks to use theatre presentations as a supple-
ment to the main worship program. Though Immanuel‘s worship
style is basically traditional, PAM will develop and expand the
horizon of the worship experience for our congregation by:
 Creating an experience of ―church‖ through theatre for people
 Help both congregation and community to experience the pre-
sence of God, other than at the regular Sunday morning church
service setting.
 Tying both congregation and community in relationships
 Developing the gifting and skills of performance with our
church and community.
Facilitator: Mrs. Roxana Walker-Canton
Drama: Ms. Dawn White
4 Stage Manager
The stage manager‘s responsibility is to work closely with the
Minister of Music to ensure equipment necessary for each wor-
ship service is in place. The Stage Manager also ensures that the
pulpit area is tidy and all furniture is in place, before and after all
services and program.
Praise Hymn Singers / Band / Performing Arts/Drama 3.2 Praise Hymn Singers
The Praise Hymn Singers are charged with the responsibility of
leading and teaching the congregation in the singing of two
hymns—the Processional Hymn and the Congregational Hymn of
the Month—each Sunday morning. There are three teams (A, B &
C). Rehearsals focus not only on preparing musically, but on learn-
ing the history and author(s) of each hymn with corresponding
scriptures. The Praise Hymn Singers give you a wonderful learning
experience and great spiritual inspiration!
Facilitator: Rev. Gayle Acosta
3.3 Band
The band consists of a conjunction of humble, experienced, skilled,
musicians who are responsible for providing the instrumentation
for all Sunday worship services and special events. The band also
travels to Pastoral preaching engagements as requested by the Pas-
tor, and to choir singing events. The band loves to ―jam‖ for the
Lord, and it bonds beyond the music through its spiritual and per-
sonal connection!
Directors: Minister William Acosta, Gayle Singleton
3.4 Liturgical Ensemble
The Liturgical Ensemble (LE) is a selected group of worshipers
who encourage and support the heartfelt singing and worship of
the congregation by reinforcing melodies through the beauty of
deliberate, artistic dance, specifically in hand motions.
The LE accompanies singing with dance while attending to the
vocal harmonic movement of melody in particular. The LE is
accompanied by stringed instruments such as the guitar, piano
and/or harp.
The Liturgical Ensemble ministers as assigned by the Minister of
Music during any worship service.
Facilitator & Trainer: Rev. Gayle E. Acosta
14
1 Mass Choir
The M a s s C h o i r/ S u m m e r C h o i r
The Mass Choir ministers on special Sundays (Easter, Pastor‗s &
Church Anniversaries, Christmas Cantata, etc.), as well as on spe-
cial occasions (Church Anniversary Concert, Pastoral preaching
engagements as assigned, etc.).
Mass Choir means everyone in every adult choir. When the Mass
Choir is scheduled to minister, all choirs sing together as one choir.
Attire: Colors as assigned for the occasion by the Minister of
Music.
Director: Gayle Singleton
Administrative Coordinator: Lori Booker
1,1 Summer Choir
The Summer Choir ministers every Sunday during the summer
months, beginning on the first Sunday in July and ending on the
Sunday before Labor Day. Anyone who sings in the adult choirs
and wishes to participate in the Summer Choir is welcome and
encouraged to do so.
The Summer Choir is an exciting way to learn new music while
exercising the spirit of P.L.U.S. concept amongst the various
components of the Music Ministry!
Attire: Pastel tops, black bottoms
Director: Gayle Singleton
Administrative Coordinators: Diane Petaway, Lori Booker,
and Cheryl Huckabey
7
 2 Rehearsal Schedule & Room Assignment

R eh ea rs al Lo g is t ic s
Rehearsals happen for each choir/specialized group as listed below.
Each rehearsal begins with prayer and a brief Bible study in an effort to
prepare ourselves to be used by Holy Spirit and foster unity with
one another.
On Sunday mornings choirs gather in the choir room downstairs at 9a.m.
(:15 for those who attend Sunday School) for prayer and preparation to
proceed to the pulpit. PLEASE DO NOT ASSEMBLE IN THE VESTIBULE.
Schedule of Ministry: 1st Sundays—IBC, 2nd Sundays—ERB, 3rd Sun-
days—Young Adults & Children, 4th Sundays—Men‗s Chorus, 5th Sun-
days ERB/YAC Combined Choir and Special Sundays—Mass Choir.
*TBA=To be announced—*Music Ministry Room (MMR)
Times & Room Assignment
Choir/Group Evenings Time Room
M e n’s C h o r u s / S p e c i a l i z e d G r o u p s
2.5 Men’s Chorus
4th Sundays (September-June) and Mass Choir ministry.
The Men‗s Chorus ministers on fourth Sundays. This choir
smoothly blends traditional and ―quartet‖ gospel with a contem-
porary flavor to the songs it renders. The Men‗s Chorus has been
ministering for over fifty years; several original members continue
to be active in the choir ministry today! This choir is always ready,
willing and able to serve as requested—both in Immanuel and be-
yond!
Colors - As assigned by Deacon Willie Mewborn
Director: Rev. Gayle E. Acosta
Administrative Coordinator: James Goodson
3 Specialized Groups

Intercessory 3.1 Praise Teams

Prayer Mondays 7:30-8 Chapel The Praise & Worship Teams are responsible for the opening of
Sunday morning service throughout the year, ushering the congre-
Mass Choir TBA TBA Sanctuary gation into the flow of worship. There are three core teams of
skilled, capable servants with focus on all genres of Christian wor-
IBC 2 Tues. before 1st Sun. 7-8:30 MMR ship music:
Saturday before 1st Sun. 5 - 6:30 Sanctuary
 Adult Praise Team ministers on first Sundays
Men‗s Chorus 2 Weds. before 4th Sun. 7-8:30 Sanctuary  Young Adult Team ministers on 2nd, 3rd & 5th Sundays
 Men‗s Praise Team ministers on 4th Sundays
ERB 2 Thurs. before 2nd 7:30-9 MMR
Sun.
The Praise Teams work independently of the choirs through fast
ERB & YAC Thurs. before 5th Sun. 7:30-9 Sanctuary paced musical preparation.
(combined) Saturday before 5th 4-5:30 Sanctuary
Sun. Musical Director: Ms . Gayle E. Singleton

Young Adults 3 Sats. before 3rd Sun. 3-4:30 Sanctuary

Children 3 Weds. before 3rd Sun. 6-7 Sanctuary

Summer Choir Thursdays 7-8:30 Sanctuary

(July & August) Saturdays 5-6:30 Sanctuary

8 13
Young Adult Choir Specialized Rehearsal Day Time Room

R e h e a r s a l L o g i s t i c s (continued)
2.4 Young Adult Choir Groups
Adult Praise Saturday before
3rd Sundays (September-June) and Mass Choir ministry Team 1st Sunday 6:30-87:30 Sanctuary
The Young Adult Choir (YAC) is an energetic group of young peo- Young Adult Monday before Sanctuary
7-9
ple ages 13-26. The YAC ministers on third Sundays. YAC also Praise Team 2nd, 3rd & 5th Sunday
serves on fifth Sundays with the ERB Gospel choir, as one com-
bined choir. YAC focuses on rendering contemporary and urban Praise Hymn Thursdays. 7-8:30 MMR
gospel selections, with occasionally rearranged traditional gospel Singers Small
and hymn renditions. Chapel
Band Tuesday 7-9 MMR
YAC is an excited group, always ready to move it to the next level! Sanctuary

Colors: January through March (Standard): Liturgical TBA TBA Sanctuary

Ensemble
Young Ladies: Black dresses, purple blouses
Young Men: Black pants & purple shirts, black or dark ties Youth Praise Thursdays 6:30-7:30 Lower Hall
Alternate: fully black attire Dancers
Mass Choir as assigned
Performing TBA TAB TBA
Arts Ministry
April through June
Women: Light blue blouses & black skirts Music Ministry Prayer Intercessors Prayer Cycle
Men: Light blue shirts & black pants
Alternate: fully black attire

September & October

Fall colors

November & December: Standard

Director: Gayle Singleton
Administrative Coordinator: Lori Booker Power of the
Holy Spirit

12 9
I B C C h o i r / C h i l d r e n’s C h o i r 2.3 ERB

ERB P raise Connection Choir

2.1 IBC

1st Sundays (September-June) and Mass Choir ministry
The IBC Choir ministers on first Sundays. Its musical focus is tradi-
tional gospel and spirituals, with a smattering of contemporary gos-
pel and other genres as assigned or indicated. IBC is also responsi-
ble for providing music during communion. IBC is a very bonded
choir that is always welcoming new members!
2ND Sundays (September-June) and Mass Choir ministry.
The ERB Gospel Choir ministers on second Sundays. It blends con-
temporary and rearranged traditional gospel music, with a potpourri
of additional genres of music as is deemed necessary for the occa-
sion by the Minister of Music. ERB loves to move while singing
and is always eager to learn theory and new music!

Colors: White or off-white dresses Colors - January & March (Standard):

Men: Black pants, white shirts, dark ties Women: Black dresses or black skirts & blouses
Men: Black pants & white shirts, black or dark ties
Secretary: Patricia Batts Mass Choir as assigned
Director: Rev. Gayle E. Acosta
February: Afro centric (women & men)

2.2 Children’s Choir April

Women: Yellow blouses & black skirts
3rd Sundays (September-June) Men: Yellow shirts & black pants
The Children‗s Choir consists of children ages 5-12. The choir Alternate: fully black attire
sings on third Sundays and shares the service with the Young Adult
Choir. May—Mother‘s Day Sunday
Open (to be announced)
The musical focus is on songs with simple melodies and lyrics to
which the children can directly relate, thereby encouraging and mo- June through August
tivating them to sing praises to the Lord in their own way! Women: Yellow blouses & black skirts
Men: Yellow shirts & black pants
Colors: Robes or as assigned by Adult Supervisor Alternate: fully black attire
Director: Harriett Alfred
Adult Supervisor: Rose Hazel September & October
Fall colors

November & December: Standard

Director: Gayle Singleton
Administrative Coordinator: Cheryl Huckabey

10 11