Music Notes

Here comes the sun! Summer is here and along with it the relaxation and time with family, friends and, most importantly, time to get to know Jesus and the Spirit within ourselves better. The music ministry at SUMC is the perfect place to spend this time and grow in this knowledge together – as a church family – and I encourage EVERYONE to be involved and become part of our musical, church family.

When I arrived at SUMC from New Life Presbyterian church (formerly Northminster Presbyterian Church) in Bellevue, I was astounded at the level of ability, professionalism and diverse backgrounds of everyone involved. There is no difference in age or ability that will stop these dedicated musicians from praising together in a very fun and gratifying way. God gives us gifts of ability and talents, and it is our choice of how to use them: I believe that the only reason I was given my talents was to create the same skill and desire in other people, and as a member of any of our musical ensembles, Chancel, Children and Bell choirs; Wesley Choral; and “Leap of Faith”, you can too.

This past season was a challenge for me to walk into a completely new environment and immediately pick up with the program and take it further; because what we do together is compounded over generations and for over a hundred years of music making. The fine musical tradition at Sewickley is a legacy continued today – by you – the church family and together we grow into a tree bearing righteous fruit for the Lord. My goal is to take people of varying musical backgrounds and levels of experience and train them, together, to produce a sound that is of the same level of professionalism and quality that you’ve come to expect of such fine musicians. If you join us, you will become a fine musician and you can experience this musical quality first-hand … and have a great time doing it!

The musical season is over and now the time for individuals to shine is here. Anything you would like to do, be it singing alone or in a duet or ensemble; playing a solo or as part of a group; singing or playing with your children or as a family; please let me know – we have plenty of programming space. And, of course, all members of the congregation are invited to join me at 10:30 Sunday mornings in the choir room (downstairs) to go over the hymns and sing them from the choir loft. This is a great introduction to being a part of a musical group at the church, and children are welcome as well. It’s never too late (or early) to start praising the Lord through music with the talents he’s given you!

I’d also like to take this space to thank all of the volunteers that have helped me with the music program here. This would be everyone in any ensemble because they are all volunteers; the beautiful music we are blessed to hear comes from these children, young-adults, and adults who graciously donate their time and talents to our organizations. I especially want to thank Susie Moffett and Pam Mayo who help me so much with everything musical. Thanks again to everyone for a great season!

Blessings,
Cody