Music Ministry  

Music

Music begins our services and sends us on our way when they are over. It sets the tone for our worship in preludes. It draws us together in praise as we sing. It uplifts and teaches through inspired texts and supports the delivery of the Word of God from the pulpit. Sometimes God delivers His word to us in a very personal way through music.

We welcome all with a voice to sing or an instrument to play, to become a part of our Music Ministry. If you’re a good listener, not a singer, there’s still a place for you as well. Service opportunities include tech team, music librarians, and individuals to care for the robes. All of us work together, with God’s help, to use our gifts for His glory.

Music Directors
Jayme Raffauf: Contemporary Music & Youth Band
Christopher Rogers: Organist
Diane Soper: Adult Bell Choir
Kurt Schneiderhan: Brass Ensemble

Join Our Handbell Choir

If you have thought about being part of the bell groups, January is a great time to come out and join the handbell choirs. Our newest Handbell Choir is looking for a few more participants so we can ring our full set of bells. NO EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED! If you can hold a bell and count to four, we can teach you the rest. We rehearse on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM and ring at the 11:00 AM service once a month. We would love to have you join us in ringing joyfully to the Lord!
 
Our handbell team is also looking for some experienced ringers interested in subbing when ringers in either our 4:30 or 7:00 PM groups are unable to attend a rehearsal or ring at a Sunday morning service. This is a great opportunity for anyone that has rung bells in the past but does not have the time to attend rehearsals every week. It is also a very important need since playing bells with someone missing is like playing a piano with keys that don’t work, making many holes in the song! We currently only have 2 subs so this is a great need!
 
Please contact Diane Soper, Handbell Director, at handbells@westlawnumc.org or (732) 300-7674 if you are interested in either of these opportunities to serve. We hope to hear from YOU!

Musical Groups

Our worship services are not complete without the beautiful music heard from our various choirs and instrumental musicians. Each week, these groups come together to rehearse for worship, and prepare for upcoming performances.

Choir Rehearsal Schedules

Adult Choir – Every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Sings in worship every Sunday, from September to May
Festival Choir – A short-term commitment choir that sings for special services and events

Worship Band

Our adult worship band practices on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The band also gathers to sound check in the Music Suite each Sunday morning at 8:15 a.m. 

Instrumental Rehearsal Schedules

Bell Choir – Every Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
String Quartet – At the discretion of the Director
Brass Ensemble – At the discretion of the Director