More Than Music: The Story of Christ United Methodist Church's Choir
Some ministries are measured by what they do. Others are measured by the lives they touch. For nearly three decades under the leadership of Sarah Holloway, the choir at Christ United Methodist Church has become much more than a group of people who sing on Sunday mornings. It has become a family.
When Sarah arrived at Christ UMC in February 1998, she intended only to provide entertainment for a Valentine's banquet. Instead, Pastor Bruce Marston asked if she would consider becoming the church's music director. Twenty minutes later, she knew her answer. That decision has blessed generations of our church family ever since.
If you ask choir members what makes the choir special, very few begin by talking about music. They talk about people.
For Jennifer Harris, the choir represents four generations of her family singing together—from her grandmother Beverly Tonagel and mother Chris Reid to Jennifer herself, and now her son Rupert and niece Keira. "The choir is like family," she says. "The love, support, friendship, and joy are incomparable."
Laura Gibson remembers arriving at her very first rehearsal feeling nervous and unsure. Sarah seated her beside Jennifer Harris, who smiled warmly and welcomed her. After Laura shared with Jenny that she was going through a difficult season, Jenny simply told her, "Singing settles the soul." Years later, those words still ring true. "My closest church relationships are with my choir family," Laura says.
That sense of belonging echoes throughout every story.
Robin Burchfield joined Christ UMC hoping to find a church where her children could grow in faith. She never expected the choir to become her own safe haven. Jane Hunley, who has sung in choirs since eighth grade, says Sarah has continually encouraged her to stretch beyond what she thought possible—even joking that Jane is "bisectional" because she happily sings multiple voice parts. Whether singing alto, tenor, or soprano, Jane says she will "sit anywhere and sing any part as long as I can sing."
Over the years, the choir has experienced unforgettable musical moments together.
Summer Camp Meeting Concerts have long been one of the choir's most cherished traditions. Originally envisioned by Pastor Bruce Marston as revival-style gatherings, the concerts often concluded with an old-fashioned ice cream social and drew both church members and the community together. Over the years, these concerts have included memorable themes and meaningful moments. Jan Miller recalls one Camp Meeting concert centered on Remembering Your Baptism, when a small fountain was placed at the front of the sanctuary. During the choir's singing of Shall We Gather at the River, worshipers were invited to come forward, touch the water, and remember their own baptism. "Lots of people did it," she remembers, "even visitors." Moments like these transformed the concerts from musical performances into powerful experiences of worship and remembrance.
The choir's ministry has also reached beyond the walls of Christ UMC. Members of the choir have traveled to New York to perform under renowned composer Mary McDonald. For many, standing together on that stage remains a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sarah herself had the honor of stepping forward as the featured soloist, filling her choir family with pride.
Members have participated in community events such as the Halls Christmas Tree Lighting, Labor Day festivities in Bulls Gap, and memorable collaborations with neighboring churches. One of those partnerships was a Christmas cantata with Beaver Dam Baptist Church—a performance that became life-changing for one future choir member.
Cynthia Waters remembers first meeting Sarah Holloway while attending rehearsals for that joint Christmas concert. "I watched her direct her choir with passion and enthusiasm," Cynthia recalls. Not long afterward, the two became friends, and Cynthia felt God leading her to join the choir at Christ United Methodist. "Now, that choir has become my family," she says. "I can't imagine not singing under Sarah's direction, with Nancy playing piano. It brings me joy and lifts my spirit to be a part of this great group of people." Her story is a beautiful reminder that music has a way of opening hearts—not only to worship, but also to friendships and a church family.
Some memories are joyful. Others are deeply personal.
Drew Holloway recalls singing in the 4-Given/Forgiven quartet with Steve Carden, Ralph Davis, and Bob Brown during the 2010 Camp Meeting Concert. Steve, who became both a mentor and close friend, passed away the following year after battling cancer. Today, Drew treasures those memories not only because of the music they created together, but because they remind him how faith, friendship, and worship can shape a person's life forever.
Even unexpected moments have become treasured stories. Choir rehearsal continued by flashlight during a power outage. Members have survived sweltering rehearsals when the air conditioning failed, bundled together through freezing choir rooms, gathered for swim parties, shared meals after church, and faithfully supported one another through illness, loss, and life's celebrations. Ministries such as the choir's prayer blanket ministry—and today's card ministry—have extended that same love beyond the choir loft into the congregation.
Behind every rehearsal are faithful musicians who help make worship possible.
Sarah speaks with deep gratitude about pianist Nancy Hodges and organist Mike Beckley, calling them tremendous blessings to the church. Nancy never expected to become Christ UMC's pianist. She originally agreed to play only one Christmas Eve service while Sarah searched for a permanent accompanist. Three weeks later, she knew she had already found her church home. "I had fallen completely in love," Nancy says, "with Sarah, the choir, and this wonderfully friendly and loving congregation."
Their gifts have inspired not only the choir but also fellow musicians. Longtime flutist Shirley Babick treasures the opportunities she has had to play alongside Nancy and the choir. "Playing my flute with Nancy Hodges and the choir has been a wonderful, uplifting time in my life," she says. "The beauty of music is a joy to everyone in our choir and our congregation." Her words reflect the spirit of collaboration that has enriched worship through voices and instruments alike.
Sarah also remembers the years her mother, Jennie Holloway, faithfully served as pianist before declining eyesight required her to step away. Those offertories remain among Sarah's most cherished memories.
Sarah Holloway has a remarkable gift for seeing potential in people long before they see it in themselves.
Ralph Davis remembers one of those life-changing moments. During rehearsal, Sarah handed out the music for Walking 'Cross the Sea and casually announced, "...and Ralph, you're going to sing the solo." Although apprehensive, he agreed to try. By the time Sunday arrived, he was both nervous and excited. "I think I was probably a little shaky," Ralph recalls, "but once the song was over, I distinctly remember thinking, 'I want to do that again!' And I did."
That simple act of encouragement became the beginning of many years of sharing his voice in worship. Stories like Ralph's are common in the Christ UMC choir. Over the years, Sarah has mentored countless singers, helping them discover gifts they never knew they possessed and giving them the confidence to use those gifts for God's glory.
That legacy is especially evident in the younger generations. Sarah's son, Drew, who grew up singing in the choir, has become an accomplished vocalist and continues to share his gifts in worship. Today, her granddaughter, Serenity, is following in those footsteps as a member of the choir. Sarah is also investing in the next generation of Christ UMC's music ministry, mentoring youth members Annabelle and Parker. Under her encouragement and direction, they have grown as vocalists and have shared solos during special services, including Easter, Christmas, and Mother's Day. For Sarah, building the choir has never been just about preparing music — it has always been about preparing people to lead others in worship.
Serenity recently experienced firsthand what makes this choir so special. During the week of her high school graduation recognition, the choir surprised her with a heartfelt card signed by its members. On Sunday, she was recognized during worship, had the opportunity to speak to the congregation, and received a gift bag filled with cards and words of encouragement from her church family. Reflecting on that week, Serenity shared, "The love, kindness, and encouragement I felt is something I'll never forget. I can't express how grateful I am for my choir family and my church family. Thank you all for loving, supporting, and encouraging me throughout the years." Her experience beautifully reflects what so many choir members have expressed—that this ministry is about far more than music. It is a place where people are nurtured, celebrated, and loved through every stage of life.
Perhaps the greatest testimony to the choir's ministry isn't found in concerts or special music, but in the relationships that continue long after the final "Amen." Those relationships are what have kept this ministry thriving for generations.
Sarah smiles when she describes choir members lingering in the parking lot after rehearsal, talking together before finally heading home. "The people," she says without hesitation, "are what I love most. This church is home for me, and these people are my family."
That feeling is shared by countless others who have found encouragement, lifelong friendships, spiritual growth, and even healing through this ministry.
Week after week, the choir reminds us that worship is about far more than singing notes on a page. It is about lifting one another up, sharing God's love through music, and building a community where every voice matters.
Nearly three decades after Sarah Holloway answered an unexpected phone call and said "yes" to leading the music ministry at Christ United Methodist Church, the choir continues to do just that. Its legacy isn't measured only in anthems sung or concerts performed, but in lives encouraged, gifts discovered, friendships formed, and faith strengthened.
At Christ United Methodist Church, the choir doesn't simply make beautiful music.
They make a family.
