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Worship Arts Ministry

Sing. Play. Dance. Draw. Write. Create.

WORSHIP.

Worship isn’t just about singing or music. Worship is the way we recognize and respond to the holiness and glory of God. The Worship Arts Ministry exists to inspire communal and personal worship that praises God, imitates Jesus, and recognizes the Holy Spirit. Our goals are to encourage musical and artistic creativity, offer opportunities for the integration of God-given gifts and talents into the life of the church, and teach worship as a way of life through worship practices that focus on mind, body, and spirit. We do this through ensembles for all ages.

 

An ensemble is a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who regularly perform together. Ensembles are also groups of items viewed as a whole rather than individually. The Worship Arts ensembles regularly contribute to our worship services and encourage musical and artistic means of expressing faith as individuals and as a community.

To learn more about any of our worship ensembles, contact Rev. Dr. Tracie Jernigan.

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Sunday Morning Ensembles

Worship Band
Sunday 9:00AM

The Worship Band is a group of skilled musicians who offer their gifts weekly in the modern worship service. Our band is made up of guitarists, keyboardists, drummers, and vocalists. This is an auditioned ensemble that meets weekly.

If you are interested in playing an instrument or singing with our praise team, contact Tracie Jernigan.

Chancel Choir
Sunday 11:00AM

The Chancel Choir meets weekly and provides quality choral singing and hymn leading in the traditional worship service. This ensemble also prepares major works and special programs throughout the church year such as Christmas at First Baptist and Easter Sunday worship. Any person age 16 and older is welcome to attend rehearsals on Thursdays at 7:00PM in the choir room at our downtown campus.

If you are interested in joining our Chancel Choir,

contact Tracie Jernigan.

Christmas Choir

Rehearsal Schedule:

  • Every Thursday @ 7:15 p.m.

  • Fri, Sept 13 from 6 - 9 p.m.

  • Sat, Sept 14 from 9 a.m. - noon

  • Sat, Oct 19 from 9 a.m. - noon

  • Sat, Nov 16 from 9 a.m. - noon

  • Sat, Dec 7 from 9 a.m. - noon

  • Thurs, Dec 12 @ 7 p.m.

We're looking for enthusiastic voices to bring the joy of Christmas to life. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just love to sing holiday tunes, this is your chance to shine!

Email tjernigan@fbcwilmington.org to sign up!

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A person playing a guitar.

Student Jam

Sundays 4:30 – 5:30PM | 6-12th grades

Resumes Fall 2024

Student Jam is an ensemble for 6th – 12th graders that helps students make connections between their faith and their musical and artistic gifts and talents. It meets seasonally on Sunday afternoons and welcomes students gifted in music, visual art, graphic design, creative writing or screenwriting, acting, and anything else we haven’t thought of!

Kids Choir

Sundays from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
October 20 - November 17
FBC Activity Center

Our Kids Choir meets seasonally on Sunday afternoons to sing, play instruments such as handchimes, read music, practice stage presence and public speaking, develop rhythm skills, and practice vocal techniques. Each session includes modern worship, hymns, choral anthems, and the integration of the arts with a growing faith. Children from 1st through 5th grade are

welcome to attend.

Children reading sheet music in a choir setting.
A woman leading preschoolers through music.

Preschool Music

Wednesdays during CrossTraining
Ages 0-4

Babies through Kindergarteners have music time during CrossTraining on Wednesday nights. This fun experience includes singing, motions and movement, instruments such as egg shakers and rhythm sticks, and lots of fun. The children work on beginning to match pitch, repeating simple intervals, and keeping a steady beat.

Instrumentalists

Handbell Choir

This ensemble meets seasonally to prepare handbell music for worship.

 

Instrumentalists

Trained instrumentalists in our congregation are valued leaders in the 11:00AM worship and special services throughout the year. They provide solo work, accompany choral anthems, and participate in our seasonal events such as Christmas at First Baptist.

People playing instruments together.
A choir singing together at Christmas.

Christmas at
First Baptist

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas at First Baptist combines the musical talents of the Chancel Choir, instrumentalists, and members of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. In addition, we open participation up to church members not regularly serving in Choir and local vocalists and musicians. All ages of men and women from teenagers to senior adults make up this special group of musicians.

Christmas at First Baptist is a musical gift to the community presented by the FBC Chancel Choir and a full orchestra. There is no cost to attend, but at each of the three performances, a special collection is taken to benefit Habitat for Humanity. This generous giving allows First Baptist to partner with Habitat to build at least one home for a special family in our community during the year.

 

Rehearsals for Christmas at First Baptist begin in August, with three performances over one weekend in December.

Rev. Dr. Tracie
Jernigan

Minister of Worship Arts

I’m Tracie, and I’m so excited to be back in Wilmington! My husband, Nick, and I moved here as newlyweds in 2010. Our sons, Charlie (12) and Sam (10), were born at NHRMC, so returning to our church family at FBCW feels like coming home. I’m a Texas born-and-raised gal and attended Baylor University for a Bachelor in Church Music in Organ and a Master of Music in Church Music. I also earned a Master of Divinity at Baylor’s Truett Seminary. I recently continued my education – at another school with a bear mascot – by completing a Doctor of Ministry in Theology and Worship from McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. I’ve served in worship ministry for 28 years, most recently at The Summit Church in Sylva, NC.

I have a passion for incorporating the arts - music, visual art, performance art, all the arts! - into worship and spiritual expression for all ages. Share your artistic gift with the church and we will worship God together!

A woman with red hair, glasses, and a pink shirt.

Upcoming Events

For a full list of our church-wide events, visit our events page.

  • Nov 24, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    FBC Activity Center, 1939 Independence Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
    Save the date for our Night of Thanks Banquet! There will be great conversation, multiple recognitions, and opportunities to express our thanks to God for the many ways we are blessed. The evening will conclude with communion around the table. You won't want to miss this!
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  • Dec 13, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    First Baptist Church Wilmington, 411 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    Christmas at First Baptist is a FREE musical gift to the community presented by the FBC Chancel Choir and Orchestra. Invite a friend to join you for this beautiful presentation of the hope, peace, joy, and love found in the birth of Jesus Christ. No tickets are required.
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