For Children | For Youth | For Adults | About Our Organ
For more information about Music Ministries, contact the Music Director.

Exodus 15 reports that, following the crossing of the Red Sea, Miriam, the prophetess, took a tambourine in her hand and, joined by all the women of Israel, sang praises to God for deliverance from the Egyptians. This is the earliest record of worship through music, but by no means the only one.

Music has been an active part of worship in various ways throughout the history of Christendom and is no less so today at Bethany United Methodist Church. Our music program seeks to serve by:

1. Aiding the worship of God through music;

2. Offering opportunities for spiritual enrichment through music;

3. Evangelizing through events and programs geared toward the entire community; and

4. Proclaiming the worthiness and majesty of a great God.

Aiding the worship of God through music
The expression of the soul through music is a very important part of the worship experience at Bethany Church. Led by the Chancel Choir and the Bethany Crusaders, all music ensembles rehearse regularly and appear frequently in worship throughout the year. Qualified soloists and instrumentalists are encouraged to participate in consultation with the Music Director.

Offering opportunities for spiritual enrichment through music
Bethany has a fully integrated music program consisting of 10 ensembles, with opportunities for all age groups to participate in directed music activities.

Evangelizing through special events and programs geared toward the entire community
Each year the Chancel Choir presents special programs in the context of liturgy and worship during Advent (usually lessons and carols) and in the spring. The spring event usually features a work for chorus and orchestra.

Each year the Imogene Williams Handbell Ensemble sponsors the Summerville Handbell Festival during the first Sunday in June. This event also involves other handbell choirs from other churches in the area.

The youth and children’s choirs present special programs at various times throughout the year.

The entire Summerville community is invited to attend all of these events.

Proclaiming the worthiness and majesty of a great God
Everyone comes to the music program with a different background and experience. We seek to find a place for all who wish to participate. Individual training is provided where feasible and appropriate.

Membership in musical groups is open to all in consultation with the Music Director. There are limits to the number of players in handbell choirs, and other groups may be closed at certain times of the year. Regular attendance at rehearsals is expected of all who belong to a musical group.

Our Letourneau Organ
A Letourneau Organ of 24 stops and 31 ranks, with over 1,700 pipes, was installed in Bethany's Main Sanctuary in 2003. The organ is electric-slider action.