FUMC Denton Worship Recap: Music, Spirit, Community

A year of music, ministry, and 3,000+ volunteer hours—see what made this worship season so powerful at FUMC Denton.

There is so much to celebrate in our worship and music ministry at FUMC Denton that it’s hard to know where to begin! We’re coming off a remarkable Holy Week and Easter—our highest attendance in years—and in many ways, that week served as a microcosm of all the vibrant, Spirit-filled work happening in our church

Palm Sunday kicked things off with joy and energy as our combined children’s and youth choirs led the Palm Parade, accompanied by brass instrumentalists made possible through our music fund. Our handbell choir also led beautifully in worship that morning. On Maundy Thursday, the modern band crafted and led a deeply meaningful service. Good Friday featured our Chancel Choir in a powerful presentation of John Stainer’s Crucifixion, capping off an exceptionally rich season for the choir. Over the course of Holy Week and Easter, all of our musical ensembles offered a diverse and dynamic expression of resurrection joy. It was a beautiful display of the excellence and variety that define our worship at FUMC Denton.

As we head into summer, some of our ensembles will shift gears. Our children’s, youth, and bell choirs will take a well-earned break, and the Chancel Choir will pause rehearsals in June. This natural transition gives us a chance to reflect on the year behind us.

Our children’s choir continues to grow and thrive, leading in both traditional and modern services throughout the year. Since adjusting our schedule two years ago, we’ve seen increased participation—something Jamie and I are excited to keep building on. We’re especially thrilled about our second annual summer musical camp, which already has 19 kids registered!

Credo, our youth choir, has faced some challenges, but I’m grateful for Shannon Carnley—section leader and assistant choir director at Trinity High School—who has stepped in with passion and care. Her relationship-building and musical leadership have been a gift as we continue to rebuild.

Our handbell choir has also had a remarkable year, leading in worship and representing FUMC Denton at the Greater Dallas Handbell Festival and other area events.

The modern band continues to be a cornerstone of creativity and commitment. They’ve led combined services, shaped a new Maundy Thursday liturgy, and served at Christmas Eve worship for the second year in a row. Remarkably, the band has had no turnover in over two years—a rare feat for part-time musicians and a testament to their dedication and to the welcoming spirit of our church.

And then there's the Chancel Choir. This year alone, they’ve performed four major works: Gospel Mass by Robert Ray, the Duruflé Requiem, Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert, and The Crucifixion by Stainer. In addition, they sang a robust Lessons & Carols service, led on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and many Sundays in between. Altogether, they’ve prepared and sung over 100 pieces since August. With around 30 non-paid singers each week, they’ve given approximately 2,250 volunteer hours this academic year. Add in our handbell, children’s, and youth choirs, and our volunteer musicians have contributed nearly 3,000 hours to our worship life.

On the worship side, over 50 different lay liturgists have participated in leading our services in the sanctuary. I don’t have a record of all the folks who have helped lead the opening liturgy in the modern services, but combined that number would be much higher. Across our four weekly services, special observances, and midday prayer gatherings, we’ve hosted somewhere around 175 worship services this academic year.

It has been a deeply rich season of ministry, and I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside such devoted staff and volunteers. For me, worship is the central hub from which all ministry flows. It remains our largest weekly gathering and the primary point of connection for many visitors and new members.

We are blessed to be part of a congregation that deeply values the role of worship and music in all its diverse expressions. I’m excited for all that’s ahead this fall. As one preacher once said, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s a-comin’”—and so it is for us. As wonderful as this season has been, Sunday is always coming, and the work of worship continues.

Peace,
Josh

Dr. Joshua Taylor
Director of Worship & Music