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The contemporary service at Guilford Park Presbyterian Church might have been slow to start about 10 years ago, but now the YES (Year-round Early Service) Praise Ensemble has really taken off — not only with the early service, but also by presenting concerts.

This group of 20 musicians will have “A Contemporary Music Evening” at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Guilford Park. The public may attend for free. YES will present musical anthems written for specific times of the church year. Contemporary musical styles will be sung for the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter, Pentecost and times in between, said Brian Fitts, director of the YES Praise Ensemble.

“The messages with the music are truly powerful,” Fitts said. “The theme or idea behind this singing is for our YES Praise Ensemble to take those in attendance on a journey of sorts.”

Included will be expressions of desire for a closer relationship with God, amazement at the abundance of his grace, musical depictions of Bible stories, plus scripture readings.

When contemporary worship services were initiated, Fitts said, “we probably had as many people singing and playing as we did sitting in the pews.”

Through time, the music team evolved into a true choir with sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. The choir is accompanied by the piano, but it also features multiple acoustic guitar players.
Attendance to the YES service has grown through the years. Fitts is pleased to see the service attracts varied ages.

“My feeling has always been that if we can offer music that allows people to have a richer, more intimate worship experience,” Fitts said, “then we are doing what God wants us to do.”

Tom O’Shea said participating in the YES ensemble creates a heightened worship experience.

“We are involved in helping the congregation get a richer and deeper worship service, especially since Brian does such a wonderful job of selecting music that aligns with the sermon and scripture readings,” O’Shea said.

Barbara Sasser said she belongs to the group because it is a community of people who love each other and enjoy praising God through song.

Lisa Whisenant said she likes to sing with the group because it’s a group of people representing a cross-section of the church. She says they praise God together in song and feel the camaraderie that should be experienced in church.

Ensemble director Fitts has lived in Greensboro for 15 years with his wife, Linda, and son, Tommy. He works for Elon University.

Music has always been part of his life. From sixth grade on, he played in school bands. In high school, he was in the jazz ensemble. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education from UNC-Pembroke.

He was never interested in vocal music until he started singing in his college choir.

“Vocal music is beautifully different than those of horns, and I really enjoyed it,” Fitts said.

When he got the opportunity to help with Guilford Park’s contemporary service, he thought he had the knowledge and love for the music.

In the beginning, he worked with the contemporary service and men’s chorus on an interim basis.

About two months ago, the church hired Bill Allred as the director of music ministries, and he oversees all music groups within the church. He plays the organ and also accompanies the YES group on the piano.

During the early contemporary service, Fitts said, the basic elements of the worship service are still there, but the difference is partially achieved by the more relaxed way the sermon might be delivered or perhaps because the dress of the leadership is more relaxed. (No robes are worn by the pastor or choir).

He believes that because music is such a powerful language, it can really have a big impact on a church service.

“That can be a good thing or a bad thing,” Fitts said. “That’s why I am very concerned that the music I choose is both pleasing to the ear and 'message appropriate.’ ”

Some churches are now struggling with the addition of a contemporary service, Fitts said.

Many younger adults seem to identify more with the contemporary style of music. Churches are recognizing that a large part of the future lies in their ability to attract and retain new, young members.

“That’s a valid concern,” he said, “but it can also be a catalyst for division.” Guilford Park has been blessed to be able to have both types of services that co-exist without conflict, he said.

Fitts has been a member of Guilford Park for 15 years. During that time, he has been ordained as an elder and has served on the worship committee and session of the church.

Outside of Guilford Park, he and his wife enjoy participating in the N.C. Presbyterian Pilgrimage, a Christian community that focuses on helping participants establish a solid foundation for spiritual growth both in an individual way and in community with others.

For information on “An Evening of Contemporary Music,” contact Fitts at bltfitts@ triad.rr.com or 288-5452.

To suggest a person or organization who has or is “Making a Difference” in Guilford County, contact Peggy Longmire at 288-9040 or rlongmire@triad.rr.com.