David penned the above phrase in the 34 Psalm. But the command is present throughout the entire Bible. The biblical writers recorded that the people of God worshipped the Lord in song not only during times of thanksgiving and jubilation – “David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs….” (2 Samuel 6:5) - but also during times of weakness, loneliness and fear – “You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7).
Acknowledging the Biblical truth that God inhabits the praise of His people (Psalm 22:3) and that, often, our praise is through the vehicle of music, Bacon Heights provides a number of opportunities for folks to exalt Christ through music:
The Bacon Heights Choir - Having sung, both, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” and “O Happy Day” from the motion picture, “Sister Act 2”, our choral selections are as diverse in style as our two Sunday Worship Services. The choir sings primarily in our Traditional Worship Service, but, very often, in our Contemporary Worship Service, as well. During the Fall & Spring Semesters, we regularly rehearse on Wednesday evenings, from 6:45-8pm in our Worship Center. (And don’t let the fact that we’re out of room keep you from joining us – we’re working on that!) The BHBC Choir is directed by Nick Watts and is open to adults of all ages.
The Bacon Heights Orchestra - When the historian, writing 1 Chronicles 13, was described Israel’s worship of God through “harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals and trumpets”, I’m certain he was hearing something like we get to hear each Sunday at BHBC. The orchestra plays primarily in our Traditional Worship Service, but, very often, in our Contemporary Worship Service, as well. During the Fall & Spring Semesters, we regularly rehearse on Wednesday evenings, from 6:45-8pm in the rehearsal room behind our Worship Center choir loft. The BHBC Orchestra is directed by Josh Kidd and open to adults of all ages.
The Bacon Heights Praise Band - Instrumentally, the Praise Band comprises more contemporary instruments i.e. drums, additional percussion, bass & lead guitars, keyboards & piano. In addition, the band involves a number of vocalists that, both, help lead and lend harmonies to the music. The Praise Band plays & sings in our Contemporary Worship Service. During the Fall & Spring Semesters, we regularly rehearse on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00-6:45pm in our Worship Center. The BHBC Praise Band is directed by Nick Watts.
Children’s Choirs! There’s one thing, musically, we know for certain: children LOVE to sing. And we do our best to provide them the opportunity to “sing to the Lord!” Our Children’s Choir Ministry is a complement to our overall Children's Ministry. Presently, they sing for VBS & Christmas.
The Bacon Heights Senior Adult Choir – You will be hard pressed to find a sweeter group of folks anywhere. Comprised of retired and semi-retired compassionate people, the Senior Adult Choir travels weekly throughout the Fall & Spring to sing and minister in area nursing homes and care centers. The Senior Adult Choir is directed by Alice Smith and is open to all Sr. Adults. Early in the Fall semester, our choir rehearses in our Fellowship Hall on Tuesday afternoons. But, immediately after we learn our music, we use those Tuesday afternoons to “hit the road” and take Jesus to our community.
The Bacon Heights Handbell Choir - Yet, another musical avenue through which we offer an opportunity to worship the Lord is by playing with the "Hallelujah Handbells"."Hallelujah", taken from two Hebrew words meaning "praise to the Lord," perfectly describes this ministry as they exalt Jesus at Bacon Heights and out in our community. During the Fall & Spring semesters, the "Hallelujah Handbells" rehearse on Sunday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm in our Fellowship Hall. The choir is directed by Hyung Sek Chae.
On the Musical Horizon – There have been talks of beginning a Student Choir. In addition, we’re toying with the idea of a sort of “Music/Worship 101” class for those who may be interested in learning the rudiments/fundamentals of Music Theory and how to apply those fundamentals to magnifying the Lord Jesus. More on those items as they develop.
