THE UNITED VOICES OF PRAISE TEAM

The mission of the Devotional and Worship is to encourage a lifestyle of praise and worship in every believer's life. Once this is a part of our daily lifestyle; the church can then corporately and effectively worship the Lord. We believe, as the scripture exhorts; John 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him."

The United Voices of Praise, the Disciples of Praise, and the Men’s Praise Team are a vocal music ministries comprised of members from the Fine Arts Ministry Choirs and the FBHP ministerial staff. The goal of the praise and worship ministry is to share the Word of God with individuals within the church and throughout the community. Members of the praise team participate in weekly worship services, weekly biblical study ministries, ministry outreach, and special events.

The Praise and Worship Ministry was started in approximately 1995 by a group of young adults at First Baptist Church of Highland Park. The ministry would start the congregation in worship on Sunday mornings before the 11:15 a.m. service. After a brief hiatus, the ministry was reborn under the leadership of Brother Johnnie K. Williams, in 1998. For several years, Deacon Carl F. Felton II, and Rev. Catherine Borges Johnson led the ministry as co-leaders. Later, Kelli Boggs led the ministry as a devotional leader and encouraged a diverse repertoire of music for the ministry. In 2012, Associate Director of Fine Arts Semora Johns Smith joined the ministry as its director and thereafter, the ministry was named The United Voices of Praise Team.

Two additional teams emerged under the direction/leadership of the FBHP Minister of Fine Arts, Ronald Johnson – The Disciples of Praise and the Men’s Praise Team – with this expansion; the praise and worship ministry continues to be strengthened with a delivery of praise songs, gospel favorites, and Baptist melodies that engages the demographics of the congregation in worship with energy and a joyous spirit. “Let Everything that hath Breath Praise the Lord!”

The Praise and Worship Ministry provides praise and worship for the following:

• All 7:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services, except Communion Sunday
• All FBCHP special services and events
• Various church ministry retreats
• Various church ministry anniversaries
• Accompanies the Pastor on several outside engagements

Psalm 149:1-6
1.Praise ye the Lord, Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
2. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3. Let them praise his name in the dance; let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
4. For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people; he will beautify the meek with salvation.
5. Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud upon their beds.
6. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;"

For more information on The United Voices of Praise Team, contact Semora T. Johns Smith Associate Director of the Fine Art Ministry via the Church Office (301) 773-6655.