HeartSong News
Ripley Presbyterian Church Gives Thanks For Community Support of HeartSong
The article below was published in the Wednesday, Feb 3, 2010 edition of the Southern Sentinel newspaper:
The Ripley Presbyterian Church extends our thanks to all of those who have attended and enthusiastically supported our new HeartSong Contemporary Worship Service. The HeartSong service has now been in place for the past four weeks. The HeartSong Committee, the Praise Band and the Praise Team have all been thrilled with the attendance–especially when considering such rainy, icy cold weather these last four weeks.  People of all ages have been attending and the interest in the Heartsong service is continuing to grow rapidly as the word about this new service spreads.
For those who may have never experienced contemporary worship, just know that the service offers all those who attend an opportunity to worship in ways that include Prayer, Praise, and Song led by the HeartSong Praise Team of singers and the HeartSong Praise Band. The Praise Band includes two electric guitars, a bass guitar, and drums. We’re still searching for a pianist and a keyboard player.
The worship service begins with songs that celebrate the joy of worship and the awesome wonder of the Lord. Songs include some familiar hymns as well as many contemporary Christian favorites.  The lyrics for the songs and video clips during the service are projected on big screens at the front and back of the sanctuary. After the praise songs, comes the Children’s Time followed by special music and the message. Grounded in Scripture, the messages focus on helping people develop a personal and meaningful relationship with God and making the messages of the Bible relevant and timeless to all. Each service finishes with an offering and an opportunity to visit with worship leaders or the minister.
HeartSong focuses on active worship in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Casual dress is the norm for this service. The key is keeping worship relevant, exciting, and meaningful for everyone. All are welcome to come and be a part of this wonderful adventure called HeartSong at the Ripley Presbyterian Church each Sunday morning at 11am.
In addition to the HeartSong Contemporary Worship Service, the Church continues to offer our traditional worship service at 9am and Sunday School for all ages at 10am.  A nursery is provided for all the Sunday morning services. A Mid-Week Youth Ministry for pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade is provided on Wednesdays from 5:30pm-7:15pm. The Ripley Presbyterian Church is located at the corners of Cooper, Jackson, and Pine Streets. The Church Office phone is 662-837-3765. Our website is www.ripleypresbyterianchurch.com and our Facebook page is Ripley Presbyterian Church. The pastor is Rev. Bill Connolly, the HeartSong Worship Leader is Mr. Brad Crump, and the Director of Music Ministry for our traditional service is Dr. Jeremy Owens.
Submitted by Rev. Bill Connolly with contributions by Elders Jennifer Huddleston and Bill Thompson
