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Choir Enhances Worship Experience and Choir Members' Lives November 26, 2003 Worship is a vital part of the ministry of Woodland Hills Church.  Sometimes, worship is a simple experience with just one or two vocal leaders.  More often, small vocal teams participate in leading the body in praise and worship.  While many people are interested in using their vocal talents to glorify God, the opportunity to do so in these formats is somewhat limited.  Several years ago, our worship leaders responded to this need, as well as the desire to explore other worship styles, by forming a choir.  The choir now leads worship on the fourth weekend of each month, nine times each year, from September through May.  About 70 people sing in the choir, which has truly become a means for increased participation in worship by a diverse array of Woodland Hills attendees. Organizing and meeting the needs of a large choir isn’t easy, but fortunately the Woodland Hills Church Worship Ministry – composed of Norm Blagman, Greg Wollan, Ruth Richmond, and Ann Harschutz – is up to the challenge.  Music is selected, vocal charts are scored, practice CDs are made, folders are stuffed and anything else needed is prepared and available one week before the service. The Woodland Hills Church Choir does not follow traditional formats.  Most church choirs meet once a week and rehearse several songs, polishing them until they are ready for a weekend performance (usually later in the year).  At Woodland Hills, the choir rehearses only twice a month (the Wednesday before the weekend they sing and before the Saturday service), and prepares 35 minutes of music that will be sung that weekend.  The choir is a task-based ministry; however, meeting in small Covenant Groups is an important component of the ministry.  Choir members meet in groups of about ten people for 45 minutes during the Wednesday rehearsal.  Currently, the choir has eight small group leaders.  In the groups, choir members use fellowship and prayer to clear their minds and spirits, enabling them to focus on worship with clean hearts and hands and reach out to each other in meaningful relationships. [The choir no longers meets in small groups, article is from 2003.] The choir covets the prayers of Woodland Hills attendees. Their desire is that it will be a place where the rich diversity of God’s people finds expression and freedom, while at the same time coming together as one to glorify him with their voices. Getting Involved in the Choir Each choir member makes a one-year commitment to participate in the choir, which involves nine worship services from September through May.  At the end of the term, choir members can choose to recommit for another year, or step down.  The choir is open to any Woodland Hills regular attendee with vocal ability.  No auditions are required; however, anyone desiring to participate in the choir will need to follow a few easy steps through the volunteer process.  If you would like to find out more about participating in the choir, please contact Greg W. at 651-287-2064. article by Cheryl Baker