The Shepherd’s Church Music Ministry

The Shepherd’s Choir

Before 2020, The Shepherd’s Church’s large loft behind the pulpit was regularly filled with dozens of voices each week leading our congregation to the throne of God in worship. Since March, our rich choir community has experimented with new ways to responsibly sing during a pandemic from virtual projects, socially distanced outdoor sectionals, and even rehearsals over Zoom! They can’t wait to fill the loft once again and in the meantime you’ll hear them singing amidst the congregation online and in our weekly services.

The Shepherd’s Church Music Ministry

The Shepherd’s Orchestra

One of the most striking features of Sunday morning worship at The Shepherd’s Church is our full orchestra with the sound of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Amateur and professional musicians faithfully volunteer alongside each other every week to “make his praise glorious” (Psalm 66:2). Most years, the orchestra also regularly performs for other events too, including an annual pops concert featuring movie and Broadway favorites.

The Shepherd’s Church Music Ministry

SDG

SDG is a mixed quartet of two men and two women that performs contemporary Christian and modern a cappella music. SDG stands for Soli Deo Gloria, for God’s glory alone, inspired by the 5 Solas of the Protestant reformation. The name embodies why this group exists: to give glory to God! The actual members have changed over the years but the current group is Daniel & Karen Cummins, who started the group back in 2007, Suzanne Whitford and Allen Greene. SDG regularly participates in Christmas Sweet and also sings for The Shepherd’s Church’s worship services occasionally as a praise team. They also have done a few community events such as a Christmas concert at a local Chick-fil-A! 

The Shepherd’s Church Music Ministry

Hearts Hands & Voices

  “Now thank we all our God with hearts and hands 

  and voices” – hymn “Now Thank We All our God”

These words represent exactly what our children’s choir is all about. Our desire is to build worshiping hearts in our children. We not only want to teach musical concepts and songs, but encourage the children in their relationship with our Lord and King!

The Hearts, Hands & Voices (HHV) program operates at three different levels (HHV1 K-4 & K-5, HHV2 1st & 2nd grade,  HHV3 3rd—5th grade) 

The Shepherd’s Church Music Ministry

Handbell Choir

What would Christmas be without the sound of bells?  Since 2013 our handbell choir has enhanced many of the songs in Christmas Sweet.  Led by Vicki Scott, our twelve ringers cover five octaves of Malmark handbells and handchimes.  Our choir is a truly multigenerational group with ringers ages 15 through 87.

Dennis

Arne Newman

“Since the Lord led Brenda and I to The Shepherd’s Church, we have been awed and richly blessed by Christmas Sweet year after year. The thought of being a part of this amazing tradition literally never crossed my mind! But the Lord is full of surprises. What an unexpected joy and privilege it has been to work with so many gifted people focused on one thing: proclaiming the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. May All is Calm bear much fruit and bring Him glory this Christmas.”

Director/Producer

Peter Scheibner

As a professional and award-winning filmmaker local to central North Carolina, Peter’s production experience includes feature films, television commercials, nature photography/cinematography, and product promotion. As the director of All is Calm, Peter brings the creative vision to every aspect of the production. As a producer, Peter’s company (Scheibner & Co.) is partnering with Colonial to facilitate all the unique needs of a feature-length film production. Learn more about Peter and his production company at scheibner.co

Producer/Screenwriter

Andy Brewster

Andy grew up playing violin in The Shepherd’s Church orchestra and for the last three years has studied film production and music at Biola University in Los Angeles, California. There he’s been able to direct and produce several award-winning shorts, pursue freelance work, and serve as a college ambassador with the Producers Guild of America (PGA). On All is Calm, Andy collaborated with the story team to put the ideas into screenplay form and is working as a producer to help pull all the pieces together and make sure everything stays organized, under budget, and on schedule. Learn more about Andy and his work at andyjbrewster.com

Producer

Jon Milton

Jon is a skilled musician and arranger, having served at The Shepherd’s Church since 2011.  He has taught as adjunct professor of music at Southeastern Seminary, teaching courses in conducting and orchestration.  Jon holds a Masters in Music Performance from Kent State University and an additional Masters in Church Music specializing in Composition from Southeastern Seminary.  Jon and his wife Jessica eagerly await the birth of their first child in January.

Executive Producer, Pastor of Music Ministry

Aaron Kilian

Aaron joined the music staff at The Shepherd’s Church in 2014. He has served in churches in Minnesota, California and North Carolina. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music. Aaron and his wife Jill met when they were in middle school and have three children Audrianne, DJ and Jacob. Aaron loves spending time with his family, watching the Minnesota Vikings and golfing.

Director of Photography

Ross Vaughn

As a Director of Photography, Ross has worked on countless narrative, commercial, wildlife and documentary television shows and films. On All is Calm, Ross worked heavily with the Director and Gaffer to make sure the vision of the narrative was captured in a way that would move the audience. Learn more about Ross at www.rossvaughn.com

Production Designer

Cindy Stephenson

“God always amazes me. When we strive to honor and serve Him, He always blesses us more than we deserve or could imagine. I am thankful for the gifts with which He blesses us, the time and willingness to hone those gifts and the venues to use them. This venue, serving on the filming of this sweet Christmas story, has been an awesome and wonderful experience. To be part of the behind-the-scenes team, serving alongside everyone involved has been a blessing, a privilege and a joy!”

Art Director

Anna Elkins

Anna enjoys being creative in every aspect of her life. She is currently an employee at The Shepherd’s Church where she works as a graphic designer and videographer. Her years of graphic design work in both print and web, along with her experience and study in filmmaking give her a unique perspective. Learn more about Anna and find her work at annachandelle.com.