Worship at River Valley

We believe worship is a way of life that is expressed in our everyday activities and relationships. We also believe it is a corporately shared experience with the family of God, so we gather weekly to worship the Lord together. The person and work of Jesus Christ is the focus of our worship as we celebrate and enact the gospel in one voice and spirit to empower Christians with the tools they need to face life's everyday struggles. We combine a rich history of worship music in a variety of styles with relevant biblical preaching to allow each worshipper the ability to connect authentically with the Lord in spirit and in truth.

Opportunities for Involvement:

The goal of those who serve in worship ministries is to help the congregation corporately engage in authentic worship. Above all we seek worshipers who have a passion for using their gifts to help people encounter God through corporate worship. He is our audience and we exist to worship Him.

Praise Choir

The Praise Choir sings about once a month in both morning services. Covering a wide variety of styles, vocalists of all experience and ability levels join together to lead in worship. From junior high to senior adults, if you love to express your worship in singing, praise choir is for you! As the first step in becoming involved in vocal music at River Valley, we are always seeking new members! No auditions are required. Come join us - the joy of worshipping together can be contagious.

If you are interested in joining the praise choir, just show up for practice! Please e-mail Ben Kunz at benjamindkunz@yahoo.com or call him at 815/933-7353, ext. 28, if you would like to receive emails or phone calls to inform you of practice and service times.

Drama

Do you enjoy acting or theatrical performance? Using the dramatic arts can be vital in delivering a message to the congregation. We often use skits in our services and have various musical and theatrical outreach productions for all ages throughout the year. There are many different areas in which you can become involved, such as: set building, acting, wardrobe, lighting, and many other areas.

If you are interested in serving in the drama ministry, contact Rhonda Stenzinger at 815/933-4122 or by email at rocknrhonda@aol.com.

Technical Ministries

Are you more comfortable "behind the scenes?" Those who serve in our audio-visual and technical areas are essential to our music and worship ministries. Likewise, volunteers are needed on a less regular basis to fill in for occasional services and for special events throughout the year. Time commitments vary and some training is necessary (experience is a plus but is not required). If you are interested in the areas of sound, lighting, video recording/production, or visual media, contact Ben Kunz at benjamindkunz@yahoo.com or call him at 815/933-7353 ext. 28.

Praise Band

Our band plays in both morning services each week and rotates among available players. Playing in the band requires a moderately high level of proficiency in that we cover a variety of musical styles and keys. The group usually consists of piano, keyboard, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and auxiliary percussion or hand-drums.

We often incorporate other instruments as players are available and at various times throughout the year. The Praise Band is always looking for proficient trumpet, sax and trombone combo players, as well as other brass, woodwind, and string players whose skills are at a collegiate level or higher.

We also have a pool of vocalists from which people are chosen to help lead worship in both morning services. This collection of vocalists is made up of confident and proficient singers, most of whom hear parts with minimal effort.

If you would like to audition for the Praise Band, please contact Ben Kunz at benjamindkunz@yahoo.com or 815/933-7353, ext. 28.