A Thank You Note to the 11 o'clock Music Ministry
Pentecost Sunday marked the end of the Traditional Music Ministry season, so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who made it all possible. The Adult Choir sang some incredibly difficult but rewarding repertoire this year. They sang pieces composed hundreds of years ago just as beautifully as the modern contemporary spirituals (such as the one you heard this past weekend). This choir is willing to put in the work and do it all.
The Ukulele Ensemble has grown in both talent and number, singing and strumming beloved classic hymns like The Old Rugged Cross, modern traditional hymns such as Here I Am, Lord, and even the contemporary favorite 10,000 Reasons. Members of all ages and skill levels are able to come together to make some really beautiful music for our worship services.
Our Bell Choir also grew in rank, allowing us to tackle bigger and more complex pieces. They never shy away from learning new techniques, and have also started accompanying the hymns with me on the weeks they ring. That one is a personal favorite; it is such a thrill to have the organ and bells accompanying hymn-singing! With this influx of new members, we are looking forward to finally reintroducing the hand chimes this fall.
Speaking of the organ, thanks to many generous contributions from our church, we were able to purchase a massive, 3 manual Allen organ! It is such a joy to play and has greatly strengthened our ministry. We have had a kickoff dedication recital, featured it in our Christmas Cantata, and have a whole lot more planned for the future.
Finally, our Cantata Musicians in the choir and orchestra. The orchestra met nearly every Saturday from September through the end of March to rehearse for the Christmas and Easter cantatas. Their commitment and dedication, like all of the ensembles in our ministry, is incredible. We had young musicians playing in their first cantatas this season sitting alongside professional musicians. That is not an opportunity many places can provide. I certainly don’t need to tell you how special this church is, but this spirit of humility gives young musicians confidence, inspires them to continue their musical journeys, and helps build our ministry for years to come.
Though our season is over, I would never pass up an opportunity to recruit. These ensembles are composed of the kindest, sweetest people I’ve had the privilege of working with. There is no ego, no audition, no judgement. If you want to be a part of this, they will welcome you in an instant, and you’d feel as though you’ve been a part of us for years.
A special thanks as well to Maureen Konopka and the Praise Band, our 9:30 partners in Music Ministry, for their support this season, as well as Matt Cosgrove and all the folks in the booth upstairs who help our services run so smoothly.
What a blessing this year has been, I can’t wait to make music with these musicians (and you!) again this fall. In the meantime, we’ll enjoy special music from our ministry members and guests throughout the summer.
Rob Lynch
Director of Traditional Music