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ATTLEBORO - Centenary United Methodist Church features its own Praise Band on the third Sunday of each month. The group was formed last summer as a way to add a contemporary feel to the worship experience at the church.

The band debuted at the "Amazing Grace in the Park" service at Capron Park in August 2008 and has been a regular part of the church's Sunday morning services. A variety of music adapted from a number of Christian singers, and from the church hymnal, are performed. Words to all the songs are projected on a large screen so everyone can sing along.

Members say response to the band's music has been favorable.

"People like the traditional hymns, but some people really enjoy the more modern contemporary pieces," said vocalist Karna Antonitis. "The Praise Band also allows people who have no formal musical training to just sing from the heart and glorify God."

Adds Doreen Rolince: "It is wonderful to see heads bobbing, bodies swaying and hands clapping with the music. I see many smiles on people's faces as we sing praises to the Lord." Rolince said she feels "uplifted, spirited and complete" after the band performs.

Some of Rolince's favorite songs are "Wonder Working God," "Blessed be Your Name," "Thy Word," and "Here I am to Worship."

Many of the band members have been performing for most of their lives in church choirs and other musical groups.

"I played in rock bands with other kids and with guitar groups at church," said guitarist Andy Michaud, noting his involvement with the Praise Band left him energized. "This has always been the most comfortable way to worship God for me," Michaud added.

Dave Rolince, who plays guitar, said his participation in the band has affected the way he views religion. "My relationship with God has always been quiet and very personal. Playing in the Praise Band has changed that. You could say it's become my way of sharing that relationship with other people," he said.

Other band members are the Rev. Nancy Collins (vocals and percussion), Paulette Mahoney, Mark Umberger, Dave Thibault, John Cote and Dennis Avey.

The Sunday morning services begin at 9:45 a.m. Centenary United Methodist Church is located at the corner of North Main and Sanford streets, across from the Attleboro YMCA.