2 022 Read e rs’ Issue


As a worship leader, where have you experienced hope these past two years?


When we needed more than $24,000 to install a new live streaming system, not only did we have enough money, but no one questioned the need for us to move ahead.


Karen Booth


Lake Harbor UMC Norton Shores, MI


In the determination of willing volunteer participants. This core group of experienced musicians has actually gotten better during this time. Their sense of ensemble has truly increased, because there were no other options!


Todd Wilson


Germantown UMC Germantown, TN


As we shifted to online, I saw people pitch in and stay committed.


Kevin Turner Davidson UMC Davidson, NC


“


What has surprised you the most about yourself these past two years?


Our worship team is a small dedicated group of four women: myself (deacon/lead musician), the lead pastor, our lay leader/liturgical dancer/visual installation creator, and our SPRC chair/drama coordinator. I think we have helped support each other in many ways as we tried to figure out how to make worship inviting and meaningful, while still coping with all the technology.”


Eileen Johnson El Sobrante UMC El Sobrante, CA


I have found hope in the way my congregation has modified its methods to continue reaching out to our community which is a large part of what we do.


Elvin Nicely Highland UMC


North Chesterfield, VA


90 percent of our choir returned when we started again.


Diane Combs


First Presbyterian Church Waynesville, NC


Watching people return to worship after months of online worship with enthusiasm and joy.


Douglas Grove-DeJarnett Munsey Memorial UMC Johnson City, TN


In our youth, who, after 18 months of isolation, have stepped up to help lead worship in ways they haven’t before.


Carla Hale


Stroud UMC Stroud, OK


In the fact that we kept the Chancel Choir together through regular Zoom calls and virtual choir projects. We added people to both the adult choir and the adult handbell choir because of our work online! In addition, the Zoom calls brought the regular attenders even closer together.


Michael Dougherty Hyde Park UMC Tampa, FL


Resiliency – I really was frozen like a deer in the headlights the first couple weeks of the pandemic. (Just ask my son!)


Jan Smith Vale UMC Oakton, VA


Frankly, the surprise is that at one point in Advent 2020 I felt like I could walk away from church leadership. All of the skills I’ve spent a lifetime accumulating were less valued, or so I thought at the time. It turns out the need to serve doesn’t leave us and in this time, we need servants and leaders.


Todd Wilson


Germantown UMC Germantown, TN


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


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