About the Joyful Twirlers
Joyful Twirlers is a Christian-based baton ministry with a mission to share the love of Christ with others and delight audiences by performing to contemporary Christian music. Perhaps you have seen us throughout the summer at Idlewild and Soakzone, Monroeville 4th of July Parade or other special events. We also perform in fall festivals and we frequently visit personal care homes where we entertain the residents and take cookies to enjoy fellowship time with them.
Sign up today by contacting Gina Stropkaj, Director at 412.759.7487 or by sending an email. Gina will answer any questions you may have.
Class size may be limited.
A Brief History of the Joyful Twirlers
Welcome, my name is Jessica Nigra, Former Director and Founder of the "Joyful Twirlers" baton-twirling ministry. We are located in Pittsburgh, PA. Since our inception in the year 2000, we have been blessed with the formation of a second "Joyful Twirlers" troupe located in Monroeville, PA, now operated and directed by Tracey Poach who began her coaching career with our premiere unit in Forest Hills, Pa.
Director/Founder
The founding of our ministry...
One summer morning, together with my family, I stood among the crowd of spectators crowded at the sidewalk, delighting in the small town street parade. Parading down the street were the usual local school bands, clowns, scout groups and fire trucks with their resounding sirens. Among the group of parade participants were several baton-twirling troupes. Each would take their turn at the reviewing stand to perform for the judges and the spectators. While watching the young girls, happily twirling and dancing, I imagined my own daughters participating in an enjoyable activity such as baton twirling, unfortunately the troupe which we were observing was not the more conservative troupe that I would have chosen. Fortunately, our Lord placed the desire in my heart to start up and establish a quality Christian baton-twirling troupe: "Joyful Twirlers".
More History
Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, a baton-twirling troupe was created in May of 2000 that would encourage fellowship, build confidence in expressing the Christian faith and provide additional opportunities to share Christ's love with others. Most of our coaches and helpers are volunteers and costs to participate are minimal.
Our first session took place on May 1, 2000 at the Forest Hills Presbyterian Church. I was truly overwhelmed when our Lord brought 10 enthusiastic young girls (who had never twirled a baton) into the ministry. Even if only three children (my own) would have been there that first night, I would have happily forged ahead, for our Lord was setting a path, driving and moving me forward, blessing my efforts along the way. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9:8 (NIV). Praises to God!
God gave each of us our own unique set of qualities and talents. And, because of these wonderful differences, qualifications for starting a Christian baton-twirling troupe can vary. Although my own baton twirling experience had been minimal (briefly in junior high), over the years I have developed a high level of self-motivation, determination and a sound work ethic. My professional background has mostly been in sales and marketing, however I have also had the opportunity to work with children through special needs schools and Sunday school. My service in the highly regarded Stephen Ministry program has taught me how to listen to and care for others. The skills acquired through Stephen Ministry have also been of great benefit in business as well. I have had the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time with our treasured seniors through our family’s nursing home evangelism efforts. I currently work as an educator and public docent at an historic house museum in Pittsburgh, PA and, of course enjoy directing and coaching the "Joyful Twirlers" baton-twirling ministry.
On a more personal note, I have been blessed with three delightful daughters, Haley, Mollie and Emily. My husband, Paul, is a kindhearted man with an amazing knowledge and understanding of the scriptures. He is true gift is teaching and preaching the Word of God. It was Paul who thought of the name "Joyful Twirlers": And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord, it shall rejoice in His salvation. Psalm 35:9
We all bring with us varying life experiences that can be used in a positive manor towards Kingdom growth. Perhaps my vocational experiences greatly differ from your own. Know that it does take a lot of hard work and dedication to successfully direct and manage "Joyful Twirlers" troupe. And, if you have a desire that God has placed in your heart, I say "go for it". You can do it, because it is God who will enable you. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Phil 2:13 (NIV)
If God can take the little bit I learned of Him as a child, raised in a sometimes Catholic home, and grow it into a powerful relationship with Christ, what more will He do through children already growing in the faith and experiencing the Christian life. The majority of children who have participated in "Joyful Twirlers", if only for a short while, would have experienced more of Christ and Christianity than myself at their age.
I like to be an encourager. When I approached my church about starting up my baton-twirling ministry, they really embraced the idea and were quite supportive. The church did not hesitate to accommodate my need for practice space. My husband and I were relatively new members at the time and we marveled at how supportive the church was towards our efforts in "Joyful Twirlers" as well as our nursing home ministry. That encouragement went a long, long way in helping the ministry flourish. Recently I attended a committee meeting at this same church. There was discussion on what types of new ministries we could establish and who would might be able to oversee them. Because I had been encourage by the church to pursue what God had placed on my heart through my own ministry, I was especially eager to say; "What we need to do is to find Christians (church members) who already have a passion, a gift to serve in a Godly manner, ask them to share their vision and then encourage them to move forward. Each member of the body has a purpose: Just as each of us has one body with many members and these members do not have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:4-6 (NIV)
It can be challenging juggling work, family and ministry. Recently at the end of a workday at the museum, I bid goodnight to my coworkers expressing my delight in spending my day off with them. "Now, I said, it's off to work."
God provides our daily bread. I believe the power of prayer. I believe it because I experience it and I have indeed received my daily bread, literally. Oh, but my faith can be thrown off a bit by dreadful circumstances. I can get into that "Now, what do I do" mode. The majority of us go through times of economic hardship, but our Lord has not failed to provide just what we need and even more. Be faithful to what the Lord has called you to do and He will be your provider. Even under financial stress to the point of considering personal bankruptcy, I have been able to successfully manage my "Joyful Twirlers" troupe as a complete volunteer. I desire to work for the Lord for He is the Most Excellent Father and also the very best employer.
Through my experience in this type of ministry, I have tried my best to provide information, which will make it easier for you to start up your own "Joyful Twirlers" troupe.
God bless,
Jessica Nigra, Director/Founder
