Arts, Music an avenue for outreach
Methodist church uses classes, camps to attract community
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution
March 1, 2007
by Candice Hannigan
for the Journal-Constitution

Photos by RENEE BROCK / Special David Anderson keeps time with the music as Justin Williams (right) plays the trumpet during a music lesson at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church. The Powder Springs church offers camps and classes in music and the arts.

Over the past few years, the staff at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church has been building a fine arts academy. The addition isn't bricks and mortar, but a growing collection of music, art and drama classes, and camps for all ages to enjoy.

The academy is an outreach for the music ministry at McEachern, according to Tanya Ghoreishi, minister of music and fine arts. Community lessons help "demystify" the church, and make it less intimidating.

"It's a way to literally put fingers into the community and bring people onto the campus," said Ghoreishi. "No one's going to get saved while they're in a ballroom dance class, but they may pick up a church brochure."

The Powder Springs church, positioned on a sprawling 40-acre campus, first began offering summer camps in art, theater, and music.

The next step was the Fine Arts Day School, which offers preschoolers a curriculum that concentrates on rhythm, art and music using the Kindermusik program.

"The art is very much a concept thing. It's a higher level than arts and crafts," explained Ghoreishi.

Individual music lessons ar the latest additions, with opportunities to learn piano, guitar and trumpet.

Other instruments will be added. An adult art course, quilting class and card-designing class appeal to the older crowd.

Ghoreishi said this is the first year that everything has been up and running, fulfilling a dream she's had for McEachern since she came to work there more than 15 years ago.

"The church used to be the center of hte arts, from Beethoven, Mozart and Bach even up until 50 years ago, creating leadership in the church through the arts."

Public and online registration for summer camps begins soon.

Ghoreishi predicts there will be lines of folks outside the church eager to register.

For more information, call Ghoreishi at 770-943-3008. McEachern is in Powder Springs at 4075 Macland Road. www.mceachernumc.org.

THE MINISTRY OF FINE ARTS

>What's going on: Music, art and drama classes as part of McEachern United Methodist Church music outreach ministry.

>Where: The church's fine arts academy building, 4075 Macland Road, Powder Springs.

>More information: Registration for summer camps begins soon. To register, call 770-943-0008 or go online at www.mceachernumc.org.