The music ministry at Westgate Baptist Church is an important part of each service. By setting the tone of the service, it prepares the hearts and minds of the congregation to worship the Lord "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). The purpose of our music is to unify the congregation in praise and worship, and to bring to God a "sacrifice of praise" (Jer. 33:10-11; Heb. 13:15). Our desire is for musicians to use their God-given talents and abilities to sing and play for the Lord. Our music is traditional, but uplifting. (We use hymnbooks for most of our congregational singing.)

Mr. Tom Stuch has served as music director at our church since the church as founded in 1982. He directs the teen and adult choirs and congregational singing. Mrs. Janie Jaquith, our music coordinator, oversees scheduling of offertories and special music.

Church choir.

From September through June, the adult choir presents music on Sunday mornings during the worship service. Selections are taken from a variety of sources, such as the Wilds, SoundForth, and Majesty Music. Our desire in presenting this music is to encourage a worshipful atmosphere during the service, and above all, to bring glory to the Lord. Choir practice begins in late August on Sunday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:40 p.m. Sunday morning rehearsals begin at 8:45 a.m.

Christmas Cantata.

Every December, the WBC choir and cast presents a cantata with the Biblical message of Christmas. Through music and drama (in reader's theatre style), this special event helps to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Orchestra.

On Sunday evenings, instrumentalists play during congregational hymns. Practice takes place at 5:30 p.m., ahead of the evening service.

Vocal & Instrumental Ensembles.

Ahead of the message on Sunday mornings (and occasionally on Sunday evenings), musicians present special vocal music. Instrumental ensembles typically play during offertories or for special events.

Children's Christmas Program.

In early December, children age two through grade twelve present the Christmas story through music and drama. Younger children dress up as nativity scene characters while a choir sings Christmas carols and a narrator reads the Biblical account of Jesus' birth. The teen choir also presents a piece. From the kindergarteners to the high school students, it is a joy to watch each age group give a special presentation relating to our Emmanuel, God with us. The presentations are followed by a timely and relevant message about the Christmas season.

IMPACT Teen Choir.

The youth group of Westgate Baptist Church, known as IMPACT, trains its members in singing choir numbers throughout the school year on Wednesday nights as part of the regular youth group program. Songs rehearsed by the teen choir are sung for the entire church on selected Sunday evening services. The teen choir has prepared many of the young people of Westgate Baptist Church for the adult choir, which is led by our adult choir director. All teens are encouraged to participate!

Wednesday Night Children's Classes.

Based on the music of Ron "Patch" Hamilton, the Wednesday night children's classes provide an opportunity for children ages four through twelve to grow spiritually as they sing and study the Bible together. There are three "Patch the Pirate" classes: Peanut (ages 4 & 5), PeeWee (Grades 1 & 2), and "Patch the Pirate" (Grades 3-6). "Young sailors" learn Biblical and godly character through music activities, devotional lessons, intriguing stories, and games. The program includes daily devotions for sailors to motivate them to read and study the Bible on their own at home.

"Patch the Pirate" Elementary Choir.

As part of the "Patch the Pirate" Club held during the Wednesday night service, children in Grades 3-6 learn one song each month. Performances are held bi-monthly on Sunday evenings. The goal is for each child to grow spiritually as they present music which reinforces the message of their Bible lesson for that month. In addition, children learn basic music theory and musicianship. An information meeting is typically held in late August before the first class.

"PeeWee" (Gr. 1-2) and "Peanut" Choirs.

Younger children (age 4-grade 2) also learn songs which teach character and Bible lessons as part of their Wednesday night classes. They perform bi-monthly on Sunday evenings.