Worship & Music: One Church, Many Expressions
Worship is the heartbeat of Buncombe Street. Every Sunday, throughout the week, and across seasons of the year, our congregation gathers to sing, pray, and listen for God’s voice. Music fills the air, Scripture shapes our reflection, and community lifts our spirits. We believe that worship is not about style or formality, but about offering ourselves—heart, soul, and mind—in gratitude and hope. This page describes why we gather, how our worship services flow, and the many ways you can be part of the music and ministries that sustain our life together.
Why We Gather
At its core, worship is about turning our attention to God. We come together not because we have everything figured out, but because we need reminders of grace, encouragement, and community. The Bible tells us that where two or three gather in God’s name, there is holy presence among them. That simple truth guides our rhythm as a church.
When we sing, we remember promises larger than ourselves. When we pray, we carry joys and burdens together. When we hear Scripture, we search for wisdom that can guide the coming week. Worship reminds us that we are part of a story that began long before us and will continue long after us.
We gather because the world can be noisy, and worship helps us hear again what matters most. We gather because gratitude grows when it is shared. And we gather because faith is never just private—it flourishes in community.
Worship Styles
One church, many expressions. At Buncombe Street, worship takes place in both traditional and contemporary styles. Both are equally valued, and many members attend different styles at different seasons of life.
Traditional Worship
Traditional services draw on the richness of hymns, liturgy, and choir leadership. The service flows with organ or piano accompaniment, responsive readings, prayers, Scripture, and sermon. The choir offers anthems that deepen reflection, and hymns invite everyone to join in singing words rooted in centuries of faith. The atmosphere is reverent yet welcoming, offering both continuity and depth.
Contemporary Worship
Contemporary services are led by bands with guitars, drums, and keyboards. Songs are more modern, often with simple choruses that invite participation. The atmosphere is informal but intentional—designed to help people engage with God in everyday language. The flow still includes prayer, Scripture, and sermon, but music is often more extended, giving space for reflection.
Whether traditional or contemporary, the focus is the same: centering on God, encouraging one another, and sending people back into the world renewed.
Music & Arts
Music is not background—it is central to how we worship. Buncombe Street offers multiple avenues for expression:
Choir
The choir leads in traditional services, supporting the congregation in hymns and offering anthems that carry Scripture and poetry. Rehearsals are spaces of community, laughter, and practice, preparing voices to serve the gathered body.
Band
The contemporary band anchors services with energy and depth. Singers and instrumentalists work together to create a worship flow that feels both joyful and prayerful. Band members are volunteers who see their role not as performance, but as leadership.
Handbells
Handbell ensembles bring unique texture to worship. Bells chime in harmonies that cannot be created by one person alone. Every ringer’s part matters, symbolizing the way community is built: through many hands working together.
Other Arts
Worship is also enriched by drama, visual arts, and seasonal presentations. Advent, Lent, Easter, and Christmas often include special elements—choirs joining with bands, children offering songs, or artwork displayed to complement the theme.
Music and arts remind us that beauty itself can be worship. Every note, every color, and every movement is offered back to God.
Serve in Worship
Worship is sustained not just by those on stage but by many behind the scenes. Serving in worship is one of the most meaningful ways to participate.
Greeters
First impressions matter. Greeters offer smiles, directions, and reassurance to guests and members alike. They embody the hospitality of Christ.
Readers
Scripture is read aloud by members of the congregation. Serving as a reader means preparing to speak clearly and thoughtfully, helping others hear the Word afresh.
Communion Prep
When the church celebrates communion, volunteers prepare the bread and cup, ensuring that the sacred meal is ready. Their quiet service sustains one of the most important rhythms of Christian life.
Tech & Livestream
Behind the cameras and sound boards, volunteers make sure that everyone can hear, see, and participate. Tech teams adjust microphones, advance slides, and broadcast services to those joining online.
Ushers
Ushers assist with seating, distribute bulletins, and guide the congregation through the service. They are the steady hands that keep worship flowing smoothly.
Serving in worship is not about expertise but about willingness. Each role matters, and together they create the environment where worship flourishes.
Preparing Your Heart
Worship begins before the first song. Preparing your heart helps you enter the space ready to encounter God.
Quiet Space
Arrive a little early to sit quietly. Whether in the sanctuary pews or in a chair at contemporary services, take a few moments to breathe deeply. This small pause can reset your week and open you to what is ahead.
Prayer Team
Members of the prayer team are available before and after services. They are ready to pray with you about joys, concerns, or hopes. Their role is confidential and compassionate.
Personal Practices
Some prepare by reading Scripture, others by journaling, still others by simply sitting in silence. There is no right way—only the invitation to bring yourself honestly before God.
When the heart is prepared, the songs, prayers, and words of worship sink deeper.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to choose between traditional and contemporary worship?
A: No. You are welcome to attend either or both. Many members participate in different styles at different seasons.
Q: Do I need to audition to join the choir or band?
A: Formal auditions are not required for most ensembles. Commitment and willingness to rehearse are most important.
Q: Can children participate in music?
A: Yes. Children and youth choirs provide opportunities for young voices to join in worship.
Q: Is worship open to guests?
A: Absolutely. You do not need to be a member to attend.
Q: How can I volunteer in worship?
A: Visit the Events & Serving page or talk to a greeter. Roles include greeting, reading, communion prep, tech, and more.
Q: What if I am not a strong singer?
A: Congregational singing is about participation, not performance. Every voice is welcome.
Q: How can I give to support music and worship ministries?
A: You may visit the Give page to support the ongoing life of the church.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Use the Contact page for any inquiries about worship, music, or volunteering.