The following guidelines are principles we serve by in order to present our best to God and our fellowship. There is always more grace to be given than records to be kept, but a framework to serve within only helps to improve and excel in the ministry God has called us to and in the environments we seek to create. This will be a work in progress as we seek to refine how we do what we do. Please know that your input is always welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks for your understanding and cooperation in these areas. In preparing these guidelines I was reminded once again of II Chronicles 5:11-14 which says that when the worship team was heard "…as one, making one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord … the glory of the Lord filled the Temple." A unified team will accomplish more than a group of individuals could ever imagine.
Scott Haus
Worship Pastor
When new Worship Community members begin participating in scheduled rehearsals and services, there is a three-month trial period where either the member or the worship pastor can reevaluate the new member’s participation. After 68 years of participation, members have reached full tenure.
Worship Community members must be of high school age or older. No members will be allowed over the age of 130 years (our insurance doesn't cover it).
Worship Community members are to attend all rehearsals they are scheduled for. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings in the TownCenter location unless notified otherwise. Vocal rehearsals are from 6:00PM until 7:00PM and the band rehearsals are 7:00PM until 9:00PM. Please notify the Worship Pastor if you will be late or unable to attend a scheduled rehearsal. You are expected to arrive having listened to the rehearsal CD, having prepared your parts, and bringing the music that was sent to you.
Extra rehearsals are sometimes required and the scheduling of each is left up to the discretion of the Worship Pastor.
Please notify the Worship Pastor as soon as possible if you are unable to participate in a service for which you’ve been scheduled. The Sunday schedule begins with a 7:30AM load in at Freedom High School. Each team member is expected to attend the service.
Punctuality needs to be observed by everyone. Please be ready for rehearsals to begin promptly at the scheduled time. Continuous or excessive tardiness will result in a reevaluation of your participation within the Worship Community. This is left to the discretion of the lead worshipper.
What is an excused absence? Excused absences include illness, planned vacations, business trips, and family emergencies. This is not an exhaustive list in any way. When you will not be able to participate in a scheduled event please let the Worship Pastor know as soon as possible. Please know that a last minute notice of an absence does affect the team.
What is an unexcused absence? Unexcused absences include such things as tiredness, not being a morning person, needing a break (without prior discussions with the team leader), not having transportation, Raider/49er games, hang nails or hair appointments. Please call the team leader when you are unable to attend rehearsals or services. Continuous or excessive absences will result in a reevaluation of your participation within the Worship Community. This is left to the team leader's discretion.
Musical: Rehearsal packets are sent to the scheduled team. You are expected to know the framework of your part (vocal and or instrumental) before the scheduled rehearsal for that event. If we are to offer our best to God and to the people of Cornerstone our preparation cannot be limited to our rehearsal time alone.
Personal: Worship Community members are expected to arrive early if extra setup time is required for their instrument. Please respect the time of others and let’s not make anyone wait on our personal setup.
Spiritual: As we seek to be the lead worshippers within our fellowship, each Worship Community member is expected to prepare him or herself spiritually before arriving for a scheduled service. We cannot do in public what we have not done in private. Worship is not simply something we do, it’s who we are.
Attire for participation in our weekend services should be casual, modest, conservative, and functional. For the Sunday services, please no sleeveless tops, T-shirts, sweat shirts, mini skirts, rhinestones, running shorts, or spandex. Also, dress length should go below the knee because of the height of the stage. Blue jeans are okay as long as they’re clean in appearance with no rips, tears, holes, frays, etc. Ladies, please refrain from wearing form fitting tops or outfits and be aware of your necklines. Gentlemen, please have a collared shirt, polo or button up, or sweater on.
Excessive body piercing is also discouraged, not to mention painful and dangerous.
Occasionally there are special services or events where the Worship Community will participate. This would include Christmas Eve, Easter, recording sessions, Engage (A Night Of Worship), etc. Participation in these events will be left up to the discretion of the Worship Pastor. Please do not take offense if you are not asked to participate. Remember that this is not about our needs, but what best serves the needs of Cornerstone Fellowship.