Worship at Epiphany is enhanced by diverse music groups –youth and adult choir plus hand bells, instrumentalists, soloists, praise band, and even puppets. These groups revitalize our various worship services and offer individuals an opportunity to lead the congregation with their gifts and talents. Special worship events, including cantatas, dramas, and musicals, are also offered throughout the year. Epiphany Players Drama Ministry has a thirty-year history of using the power of theater and drama to spread God’s word through meaningful drama, to build new and renewed connections to Jesus, deepen the understanding of his teachings, and complement worship services and special events throughout the year.
The arts at Epiphany help children, youth, and adults grow their God-given talents and develop individually and within the church community. Both music and drama reach out to our congregation and the local communities by delivering worship experiences that glorify God and nurture God’s people.
Epiphany continues its 30-year history of inter-generational church fellowship, family sharing, community outreach, and individual growth. Over half the actors and families involved are drawn from outside the Epiphany family, providing this ministry a unique opportunity to carry out its mission.
Praise band members grow musically, share their spiritual leadership and fellowship, and provide a venue for instrumentalists and singers to share their talents. Teams of vocalists and musicians on drums, keyboards, bass or electric guitars bring energy and enthusiasm to our services.
Epiphany has a rich history with its handbell choir going back to the 1980s. A handbell choir is a group that rings recognizable music with melodies and harmony and acts as one instrument, with each musician responsible for particular notes. Our Jubilate Handbells perform during worship services about once per month, with a special presentation during traditional worship during Advent.
The Epiphany Chorale offers praise and worship through song for our traditional 10:30 service at the Far Hills Campus. This friendly group of singers openly welcomes new members from high school age and older who have a desire to learn the art and technique of singing; the joy of learning and singing hymns, gospel, spirituals, and classical repertoire. No auditions – just show up at rehearsals.
Advent Cantata
The term ‘cantata’ refers to a piece of music written for voice or voices and instruments. At Epiphany, the selected work usually consists of multiple movements, and we typically offer two of these special, seasonal compositions each year. Rehearsals begin a couple of months prior to each cantata performance. At Epiphany, we find this music a poignant representation of the human condition and humanity’s relationship with God and eternity. The Advent Cantata is most often presented the third weekend of Advent, during worship services.
Puppet Ministry
Our puppet ministry presents the Word of God to the Epiphany congregation during worship services, Vacation Bible School, and other audiences in a fun and engaging way. We use colorful puppets, large signs, props, and upbeat music. Audiences young and old delight in the message delivered by our puppets. Puppets are open to students in fifth grade through adults, and we present in worship twice each year.
The Children’s Christmas Musical is a unique way for Epiphany Players Drama Ministry to connect the audience, actors, and their families to Jesus’ teachings. The annual musical is an inter-generational experience with a cast of children drawn from the community and Epiphany, consisting of children from grades 1-8, a preschool chorus, and a school-age chorus, plus adults working behind the scenes. The Children’s Christmas Musical is typically presented in early December with auditions in late September or early October.
Special Opportunities
On many occasions, special opportunities are planned for vocalists, musicians and actors to perform, including special seasonal celebrations such as Christmas Eve and Palm Sunday.
Special Guests
Epiphany graciously hosts special guest performances, such as community groups like Centerville Community Band and Centerville Community Chorus.
Production Teams Behind the Scenes
There is no way that one person can take on all of the jobs of a theatrical or musical production. These roles are just as important as the performers and musicians, but they’re just not visible or “on stage.” We’re always in need of people to set up and tear down, construct sets and props, coordinate volunteers, alter/sew costumes, move set pieces, operate lighting and sound equipment, host/usher, dress backstage, organize publicity and create programs.
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