Sing to the Lord a new song, for the Lord has done marvelous things.— Psalm 98:1
Music in Worship
Music is a vital part of our worship here. Together through hymns, responses, anthems and other special music, we offer our lives in praise to God. During each of our weekly services, you’ll find our choirs and musicians enriching our worship experience as they use their musical gifts together.
The Great Choir
The Congregation is the Great Choir of the church. We sing together the great hymns of the church, including music from a variety of styles and genres. We sing in praise, confession, meditation, prayer, and proclamation of our faith.
Music Opportunities
- Sanctuary Choir
- Oratorio Choir
- Youth Music
- Children's Music
- Handbell Music
Sanctuary Choir, made up of adults and high school students, rehearses Thursday evenings at 7pm September – June, and sings weekly at the 10 am service as well as other services and events during the year. Interested in singing? Contact our Director of Music Ministries, Chris Fortin.
Students grades 6 – 12 are invited to participate in a number of ways in our music program. Band and orchestra instruments, solo and ensemble singing, as well as ringing handbells are a just a few exciting opportunities to share your musical gifts in worship. To learn more, contact our Director of Music Ministries, Chris Fortin.
Our Children’s Midweek Ministry program (click for details) contains a music element and provides an opportunity for children to find their singing voices and use them to praise God in worship! The children have fun singing, learning basic music reading, playing instruments, learning Bible stories reflected in the texts of the music, learning about the Christian year, and preparing for worship leadership.
If interested in joining the Children’s Music programs, contact Beth Donley, Director of Children’s Music Ministries, 908-500-1789.
BRPC has had active handbell choirs since the 1950’s. The church owns six and a half octaves of Whitechapel Handbells crafted in London, England, as well as three octaves of Malmark Choirchimes. We presently have two adult bell choirs and one youth bell choir that rehearse weekly and play at various services and area events during the year.
Alpha Bell Choir rehearses Tuesdays at 6:15 – 7:15pm and is made up of adult ringers. Ability to read music is important, but prior handbell experience is not required.
Knox Bell Choir rehearses Tuesdays at 7:30pm – 8:45pm and is made up of experienced ringers. Individuals ringing in this choir must have a musical background and/or have handbell ringing experience.
Interested in ringing? Contact our Director of Music Ministries, Chris Fortin.
Special Music Events
Oratorio Concerts
In celebration of the seasons of Advent & Lent, we offer an oratorio during each. These dynamic performances include a large choral work sung by our Oratorio Choir accompanied by an orchestra, and also feature our Knox Bell Choir. All are welcome to attend Sunday, December 8 and Sunday, March 29 at 4 pm followed by a wonderful reception afterward in Westminster Hall. A free-will offering is taken which supports Friends of Music, BRPC’s special music fund. Click here to donate.
Lenten Music and Meditation Services
Wednesdays during Lent at 12 noon in the Sanctuary
Join us March of 2019 for these three half-hour services of music, readings and prayer that offer a quiet, reflective time out of our busy schedules during the season of Lent. You’ll be inspired by the music of guest artists and our own Finley Singers. Following each service, lunch is offered in Westminster Hall. Bring a friend!
Children’s Special Music Programs
The children’s choirs offer two special music programs during the year – one in December during the Advent Festival and one in May during a 10:15 a.m. worship service as the culmination of the choir year. The musicals, directed by Beth Donley, provide an opportunity for children to find their singing voices and use them to praise God.