Music Ministry
The Director of Music, Helene Cantilina, works closely with the Worship Commission and Rev. Laurie Sponaugle. Music is an integral part of our worship service. Congregational hymns and instrumental or choral works are chosen to integrate closely with the scripture or message of the service.
Mrs. Cantilina is an extraordinary organist who has been disclosing the capabilities of the church’s 2-year old Walker digital organ to an admiring congregation. The 3-manual, 4 division instrument encases over 150 controls which produce sounds equivalent to about 3600 individual pipes.
There are several regular outlets for YOU to ‘make a joyful noise’ in our music ministry:
Chancel Choir - This SATB choir is open to all singers from Grade 10 through adulthood. No experience is necessary. The group performs an anthem each Sunday at the 11:00 service. On special days, like Mardi Gras Sunday or Easter, they sing for both services. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am in the sanctuary.
Chancel Bell Choir - This group utilizes a 3-octave set of hand bells and is open to all ringers from Grade 9 (or with special permission from the Director of Music) through adulthood. They perform about 6 times per year, usually for special services. No prior experience is necessary, but due to the nature of the hand bell repertoire, participation requires commitment to regular rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals are Mondays at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary.
Youth Bell Ringers – This newly formed group performs about 4 times per year. It is open to committed students from Grades 4-8. This unusual opportunity for youth
enables children to learn music theory, responsibility and poise while discovering the joy of hand bells. Rehearsals are Sundays between 9:10 am and 9:40 am (just before Sunday School and immediately following the 8:15 am worship service) in the sanctuary.
Additionally, there are a few opportunities per year for short-term commitments to either a men’s choral group or a women’s choral group. The group usually rehearses 3-4 times immediately following the 11:00 am worship service per performance.
Instrumentalists, soloists, duets, quartets, young children and pianists/organists augment the music ministry on an irregular basis. The church is blessed to have many members of its congregation who share their musical skills with enthusiasm and finesse.
For further information about how you can serve a vital role in the music ministry of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, please contact Helene Cantilina at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or leave a message with the church office.