2 022 Read e rs’ Issue


What are the losses you have experienced in your ministry?


Except for handbells, which consistency of attendance at rehearsals remains a problem, the number of people in our musical groups is down in all the groups in which I participate, both church and non-church.


Laura Ann Drennan First UMC Springfield, IL


A number of folks who are still afraid to return and those who have discovered that they like worshiping at home in their pajamas. We also are currently without an organist which is a huge loss.


Lauri Nair


Shenendehowa UMC Clifton Park, NY


Loss of a fellow staff person to COVID was hard. But overall, I’d say the loss of regular community activity and the spiritual isolation as a result.


Todd Wilson


Germantown UMC Germantown, TN


Some members have slipped away and are no longer connected.


Kevin Turner Davidson UMC Davidson, NC


My accompanist refused the vaccine and died of COVID.


Susan H. Brandt First UMC Clermont, FL


Choir rehearsals – I miss them so much.


Carol A. Mariano


Mercer Island UMC Mercer Island, GA


Smiles. I miss the expressions on everyone’s face when they sing.


Diane Combs


First Presbyterian Church Waynesville, NC


People who left because they did not agree with our protocols; people who will likely never return to in-person worship.


Janice Hinnant


Earle Street Baptist Church Greenville, SC


I think we have taken a step backward vocally and musically in the adult choir. We have nearly completely lost our children and youth music, though we are hoping to revive that in the coming months.


Michael Dougherty Hyde Park UMC Tampa, FL


Kathryn Johnson St. Stephen UMC Mesquite, TX


Time! Ended up with new responsibilities that now are expected to continue despite resuming all my old duties. Lost half the choir and their sound has suffered without weekly training. Lost several ringers (but gained new ones but brand new to ringing). Lost rehearsals and time with my group.


Beth Green


First Church Melbourne Melbourne, FL


Congregational singing has been and continues to be the greatest loss for me. (We still have not resumed congregational singing as of January.)


Eileen Johnson El Sobrante UMC El Sobrante, CA


I sense that the streamlining of worship, even and perhaps especially when worshippers are in the room, often becomes a distraction from worship and can lend a “showtime” atmosphere to the endeavor.


How have you grown as a visual artist in this season? What has surprised you?


My oil painting has made me more aware of shading and color in everything I see!


C. Christian (Chris) Dederer Christ UMC


Greensboro, NC


I have had my horizons broadened enormously by utilizing the vast library of the Vanderbilt University “Art in the Christian Tradition” collection.


Kathryn Johnson St. Stephen UMC Mesquite, TX


Been more intentional about doing things that don’t have to be explained. And I’ve been surprised at the number of people who appreciate the visuals.


Carla Hale


Stroud UMC Stroud, OK


Our lead visual artist has discovered that less is more, in that you need less visual distractions in order to maintain your focus.


Lauri Nair


Shenendehowa UMC Clifton Park, NY


__________________________________________________________________________________________________ January-February-March 2022 • WorshipArts • UMFellowship.org


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