The Messenger - June 17, 2008

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    "Music, Music Music"

Last week, I acknowledged several of the young people and the music staff who have brought the gospel to us in drama and in song during the last few weeks. Today, I'd like to acknowledge the faithful service of those who lead adults in our Music Ministry. First, of course, we need to recognize our music director, Allan Petker, whose great talent is accompanied by an ebullient personality. He is such a rare and wonderful gift to us! He is also rather modest (in fact, he's probably blushing as he reads this words), but WE need to acknowledge all the blessings that he brings to us.

Second, we need to recognize our organist, Johannes Muller-Stosch, who has changed the whole pattern of worship in our church: most people just can't leave their seats until his postlude is all done! Even in very large churches with very well paid organists, this pattern is rare. So, we are truly blessed. We are also blessed by Johannes's helpful spirit: when our children's choir accompanist, Craig Preston, became quite ill, Johannes stepped in to fill his shoes at the very last minute, and the musicals Craig would have played turned out beautifully. Not every organist has the ability (or the willingness) to help a church like that. Johannes has brought God's grace to us.

Third, we need to acknowledge our worship pianist, Rob Klopfenstein, whose delightful arrangements of praise and worship songs bring so much life to our church every week. Sandy DeLossa picks those songs after consultation with our worship staff, and Dianne Bettis has assisted her for quite some time. John Norton maintains our rhythm on the drums, and Allan Petker adds some wonderful riffs upon the strings. They rehearse on Sunday mornings in the hour before church, and they are eager to welcome singers who have the ability and flexibility to deliver our praise music with accuracy and confidence in such a short time frame.

Fourth, we need to acknowedge our handbell choir director, Nan Roberts. Did you notice how well the bell choir played that great old hymn, "It is well with my Soul, " last Sunday morning? I've recently gotten to know some members of that bell choir, and I've learned that they schedule all their family gatherings around performances of that choir. That's because a singing choir has several voices in each section, but a bell choir doesn't. If 2 or 3 notes are missing (because the ringer is not there), then Nan tries to fill in. But, if more than one ringer is missing, they simply cannot play! So, it takes a big commitment to make a bell choir work, and Nan directs these stalwart folks for free. What a gem!

Finally, we need to recognize all the volunteers in the Music ministry, who, like Nan, inspire us with their gifts for free. John Norton counted something like 90 participants (including children) in all our church's choirs on Music Celebration Sunday. That's almost 30 percent of our church! Several protestant churches invest heavily in church music, but I know of no other congregation that has this level of participation and support. Having sung in the chancel choir since 1941, Lowell Jeans is our symbol of commitment, but there are so many other folks that share his dedication (if not his tenure) in our church. I simply don't know where we would be without them.

Beginning next Sunday, June 29, all choirs in our church begin a well-deserved rest. And "slackers" (like you and me) get to sing in "Summer" choir (which requires no rehearsal in mid-week). Between now and then, why don't you take a moment to thank at least one staff, too. They love what they are doing, and it shows. But we need to show our appreciation, too. member of our chancel or bell choirs for his or her commitment to our church? While you are at it, thank a member of our music

Neal.

p.s. Most of you know by now that our chidldren's choir accompanist, Craig Preston, died suddenly last week. If you would like to send a note of condolence to Craig's mother, you may reach her at this address:

Hilda Preston
2440 Gramercy Avenue
Torrance, CA 90501