Music Ministries

Traditional: Tom Brantigan

As I look back over the year, I am reminded of the hymn "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place" and think of all the different ways that prove that it's true at Central!

My favorite small group, the Chancel Choir, has grown this year with some new members - the answer to my prayers! - who have contributed not only to the sound and our ability to make joyful noise unto the Lord, but who have also contributed to the continued grow in spirit in the choir. At the same time, we lost a dear member, Marilou Denisch, who passed away after a long illness but to the end was a true member of the choir even when she could no longer sing. The "Sweet Spirit" showed itself in full force as we saw so many of the choir members take time off from work to sing in a special choir for her memorial service. The Choir is a family that worships together and supports each other through good times and bad. They dedicate their time to worship our Lord and to fulfill the mission of Central to bring people into a closer walk with Christ.

The "Sweet Spirit" is played out through the activities of Steve Nelson who selects hymns for the service with great knowledge, care, and understanding, and through Amy Killian who helps plan worship services to make the music relevant to the message. Phil Munds and the Sundays at Central Committee have continued to bring great outreach to the church through the concert series that continues to enjoy great success and large audiences. Amy Munds and her assistants have continued to be great assets through their dedication to the Children's Choir. Chrissy Hoffner has turned the original high-spirited Bell Choir into a very good sounding Bell Choir as well. Bob Hayman has continued to bless us with original compositions that have blessed the services. The office says I should keep this short so I can't name everyone but "Thank you to all!"

The highest praise and thanks, however, goes to Carol Corey who is the real spark plug of this ministry. She is involved in everything and makes it possible for all of us to be effective. She works tirelessly and supports constantly.

Yes, there is a "Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place." It may be loud and raucous like the Bagpipes and Brass Concert, beautiful and stirring like the Christmas programs, moving and emotional like Bob Hayman's music, or simply "traditional" as we worship week after week on Sunday morning. God's spirit is here and we are all grateful.

-- Soli Deo Gloria

EPIC Service: Eileen Gathman

Another year gone by of welcoming new faces and letting "old" ones go. This is one of my favorite things about working with this team. We began a process in June where we asked every team member to pray about their involvement with the team. Was God confirming their role on this team or was He calling them to something else? This was something that everyone appreciated because it challenged them to become more than just a musician. This standard called them to deepen their commitment to God, to their art, and to one another. We said goodbye to a few members who got married and moved away. A few more took this opportunity to step down from their role to serve in other areas. We now have a three-month commitment level from general volunteers and a six-plus month commitment level from leaders. The end result is a devoted group of artists giving from the very core of their being to worship and glorify the Creator of us all.

In August, those leaders went with me to The Leadership Summit put on by Willow Creek Community Church, to learn about how to focus in on our vision of using the arts to create a worship gathering where people can have an encounter with the Living God. We spent an evening sharing our hearts, praying together, and discussing new ideas for the year. We now have a monthly large-team event that serves the purpose of getting all the people together who serve in the different areas of the EPIC worship ministry. We've had a retreat, a creative music workday, even a crab feast held by two extremely generous EPIC attenders to whom we are eternally grateful, and we closed in December with a service project - spreading Christmas cheer by caroling to senior citizens.

We already know that 2005 holds many changes! We are coming to our 4th anniversary in February and can't believe how much we've moved in that time. We are ever grateful for the opportunity to serve the congregation each and every week in new ways. Thank you for letting us experiment with you and for responding with such enthusiasm. It is our desire that regardless of how old or new the worship elements are, your hearts and minds are always being refreshingly engaged in relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

First Light Service: John Pusateri

A relaxed atmosphere and genuine welcome are what you can expect to greet you at our 8:15 am "First Light" service. Led by John Pusateri, First Light is our first contemporary service on Sunday. The music is contemporary but not edgy, as the First Light praise team seeks to warm people to worship and ready them to hear God's word. In addition, you may hear stories about what God is doing in people's lives and enjoy extra elements such as dramas.