 
    Hello and thanks for your interest in Norwood FUMC.  I'm Kim Thompson
and I am Director of Music Ministries here at Norwood First.  You'll find
me at the 11:00 am traditional service on Sunday mornings and just about
anywhere any other time of the week.  It is my honor to direct the Chancel
Choir which is the Choir for the traditional service.  We have approx. 20
members of all ages, men and women.  They do a super job of praising the
Lord with song.  The Chancel Choir has rehearsal each week on Sunday night
at 7 pm. We are always looking for new members to join us!  Reading music
is not a requirement, all we ask is that you come out to have fun,
fellowship, pray together and more importantly love to sing praises to the
Lord.  
    I am also the Director of the Handbell Choir.  This Choir is made up
of 12 ringers who ring 3 octaves of Malmark Handbells.  And may I add that
they do a super job of ringing.  Some of the members have been in the Bell
Choir since it began which was close to 20 years ago.  The Bell Choir
enjoys playing all types of music.  On special occasions, you might here
some good ol rock n roll.  We play for the Traditional service and for
many other special gathers such as the Special Citizens Banquet and
Christmas parties, community events and a true love is to go to local
nursing homes to share our ministry.  The Bell Choir meets on Tuesday
nights at 6 pm.  To find out more about the Handbell program, just drop an
email or call me.
    Last but not least, I am the Organist for the Traditional service. 
Our church is very dedicated to the music program at our church.  Approx.
5 years ago, we were in need of a new Organ and our congregation gathered
together and purchased a beautiful Allen Organ.  It's always a thrill to
play it and to explore ways to enhance our Worship Service.
    Mrs. Sue Lambert joins me on the Piano during Worship and also
accompanies the Chancel Choir.  We are very fortunate to have her talent
as we're fortunate to have others serving in the Music Ministry.  Patty
Crump is the Worship Leader for our Blended Service at 8:45 and is
accompanied by Carmen Harrison on the keyboard, Harold Thompson on the
drums and our Praise Team, who lift their voices in praise.
    As you can see, we love music here at First Norwood and hope that you
will come hear all of these different groups.
    Again, thanks for your interest in our church and we hope that you
will decide to join us!
 
Singing Praise to our Lord and King!
 
Kim Thompson
[ mailto:Kim_Thompson@scs.k12.nc.us ]Kim_Thompson@scs.k12.nc.us
704-474-5510

FUMC Praise Team


Freedom Park in Charlotte----------------2007

Our MISSION Statement

The First United Methodist Church praise team of Norwood, NC is a diverse group of individuals spreading Christ’s message through song. Leading the congregation for an early contemporary worship hour each Sunday morning from 8:45 to 9:45, the ensemble fulfills their main purpose in bringing Christian music to their own church family. In addition, the praise team travels to various locations for revivals, VBS programs, community concerts, and more. The opportunities are abundant, and in seeking additional avenues of praise and worship, the FUMC praise team extends their ministry outside their own church walls. A music ministry of combined musical tastes and an overall casual feel, First United Methodist Church hopes to emit a welcome atmosphere to all God’s people.

A little background…

In the spring of 2004, Reverend Steve Autrey began plans of expanding the ministry of First United Methodist Church in Norwood, NC. The church was growing and in need of a second service, but instead of having two identical services, the congregation openly accepted the idea of blending contemporary music and less tradition into an early service. So that is exactly what we did. Individuals interested in music within our church stepped forward and we formed the First United Methodist Church Praise Team.

Currently…

The praise team is a well-blended mix of ordinary Christians with a passion to minister in extraordinary ways. Because we have been so blessed with interest, we are currently at a maximum in our numbers of vocal participation in the praise team, and we have just recently broadened our ministry to include vocal alternates, who sing in place of regular members when it is necessary.

Each Sunday at 5pm the praise team practices for 1 to 2 hours in order to prepare for the upcoming week’s service. During the months building up to special occasions such as Christmas and Easter, the group spends much more time together throughout the week, adding an additional practice each week. It is quite a commitment, especially when traveling to various locations to minister through song. Because of the necessary commitment level, the group has found that forming a written covenant within the group has worked well for them. They pray for each other, they pray together, and they recommit themselves often to the promises they made in order to best use their gifts for the upbuilding of God’s kingdom.

Because of such an outpouring of monetary gifts from the church itself, as well as individual members, the FUMC Praise Team has afforded the ability to upgrade and expand their musical and sound equipment, which now allows the group to say “yes” to many more opportunities outside the church walls.

Some of the places in which the praise team has had an opportunity to travel are: Charlotte’s Festival in the Park, Badin Festival, Norwood’s Arbor Day, Albemarle’s Downtown Christmas, Market Station during Albemarle’s summer concert series. They have also participated in various revival / special services at many local churches, including Porter Methodist, Cedar Grove Methodist, Memorial Baptist and First Presbyterian Church, all of Norwood, as well as Main Street Methodist in Albemarle and First Methodist of Badin.

One of the most exciting experiences for the group was having the opportunity to professionally record a 10-song CD at GAT3 Productions in Charlotte, NC. The CD became available in Fall 2007. The group has chosen to use the CD as part of their ministry, therefore, they do not sell the CDs. Anyone who wishes to make a contribution in appreciation of the CD can contribute to the Robert Isenhour Fund instead. This is a wonderful ministry within our church, which helps to fund various personal and familial needs within our community.

Following is a list of the individuals who make up Norwood First United Methodist Praise Team: worship leader: Patty Crump; keyboardist: Carmen Harrison; drummer: Harold Thompson; sound: David, Michael, and Josh Brewer; female vocals: Holly Horton, Melisa Isenhour, Merry Alice Patterson, Laurie Ritchie, Melinda Magarahan, and Marti Cupples; and male vocalists: David Crump, Jim Magarahan, Dean McRae, and Kyle Josey; alternate vocals: Jean Harrington; alternating and guest lead acoustic, bass, and electric guitar: Devin Bunn, Kenny Harrington, and Mike Campbell.