Our Praise Group play an important role in our Church: Leading us in praise and worship each Sunday.  The band work hard, with a practice each Wednesday and two services each Sunday.

The following article is an interview with the leader of this Ministry: Raymond McComb.

YOU would think that a karaoke night would be the perfect way for a 23-strong band to relax as they show off their creative talent. Not so.

When the multi-talented church praise group came together for the event, there was a distinct lack of desire for the microphone.

"Not everyone got involved so we knocked iton the head," band leader Raymond McComb admits ruefully.

Instead the eclectic and expanding group were  forced to embrace somewhat less expressive  barbeque and quiz nights to take a break from their weekly music practices. 

The good news is that it’s worked and the ever evolving  band, who have played a huge part  in the life of Greenisland Baptist, consistently  contribute to Sunday services.  Raymond, a  painter and decorator by day, has led the band for over five years in their passionate playing. 

Encompassing an immaculately-practised  repertoire of songs, hymns and Psalms which  crosses several millennia, the band is still keen to welcome new members.

"We have really high quality musicians in the church but are always on the look-out for people  to join us," he says. 

"It’s a big commitment to be at the practices  every week and not every one would fit the  band’s style, but we are always looking for more  people."

And why should anyone think about devoting  a night a week to practicing for a couple of services on a Sunday? 

"We often can’t express what we want to say  to God but songwriters sometimes can find the words to say it," Raymond explains. 

"For that reason, songs are very personal  and when we are singing a song in church  you realise that it could be very personal to  someone’s experience.  In my Christian life,  when I find that I’m struggling it is often music,  and of course the Bible, that I turn to." 

Though not a fan of secular music (for no reason other than it’s not his thing, Raymond  assures us), he is a closet fan of The Police  – for the younger among us that is a "threepiece  rock band popular in the early 1980’s,"  according to a popular online encyclopaedia. 

The praise band already have enough  members for seven three-piece bands – and  are looking for more members. 

Maybe some day we’ll see them all up there  playing at the same time... 

*For more details about the band (or for advice  on the best colour to paint your living room) call  Raymond on 9086 4011 or use the form to send a message.