WORSHIP MINISTRY
2006 ANNUAL REPORT
Elder: Connie Branson
The Worship Focus Group is responsible for providing rich worship experience that invites meaningful participation by the congregation.
Members: Jenna Stickler, Tamara Rogers, Gale Robb, Jamie Manning, Pamela Layton, Kati Johanson, Brad Froslee, Nancy Fisher, Peter Duggan, Judy Cline, and Connie Branson.
The Worship Focus Group holds the principal responsibility for planning the Sunday morning worship services, as well as any special services held throughout the year. This group continues to look for ways to involve youth and children as worship leaders and in liturgy and music. We are committed to age-inclusive worship services with special attention to the language of the liturgy, uplifting and thoughtful music and children’s services.
This year marked a significant change in the composition of the Worship committee with Jane Odt’s decision to retire after 30 years of attending to the aesthetics at St. Luke, providing beautiful floral arrangements weekly and assuring that our sanctuary was decorated perfectly to express the seasons and themes at St. Luke. We honored Jane and commemorated her many years of inspiring service last fall. To fill her position, Jane recruited three people – Judy Cline, Jamie Manning and Pamela Layton. They quickly realized that size of this job and found help from Nancy Fisher and Kati Johanson.
The year began with returning to our sanctuary which now presented the aesthetics team with a palette of rich new colors. Old artwork was hung in some new places and new areas of visual interest were created. Nancy Fisher crafted beautifully calligraphed parchments with the words “May peace prevail on earth” in 18 languages to surround the sanctuary and help celebrate the dedication of our new peace pole. A bridge was projected in the front of the sanctuary to represent the year’s theme—“Building Bridges: the World is our Community.” A gallery wall was created in the garden court where St. Luke artists may display their work on a rotating basis. Two large urns were purchased to grace the main entrance to St. Luke. Janie Manning filled them with wintergreens and we plan to change the contents of the urns seasonally to provide a welcoming entranced to all who enter. Brad and Gale have provided creative and interesting themes for worship during the past year. Ash Wednesday and Taizé services were among new additions.
We are disappointed that we were not able to find leadership for an intergenerational production this past year, but are aware that there remains interest in this area. We hope to be able to provide this special program again in the future.
During 2006, the choir had the pleasure of working with Curtis Leach as music director. Highlights of the year included Easter music and a spring cantata of rousing gospel songs. Curtis resigned his position on August 1 order to return to a teaching position. David Cline stepped in as interim music director and did a fabulous job of directing the choir. His music selections expanded the choir’s repertoire, and his enthusiasm was greatly appreciated. Several former choir members returned this fall along with the addition of three talented middle schoolers. Peter Duggan joined us a music director in October and shortly thereafter our accompanist, Katie Hoody resigned secondary to moving out of state. Under Peter’s direction, the choir delivered Advent music that was well received by the congregation. At year’s end, we are actively looking for an accompanist.
Dance and movement has been artfully performed by the Liefs under Tamara’s watchful direction five times during the year from solo presentation to a children’s parade.
Janna Stickler oversees monthly communion offerings since Gerry Graves ended her work in this area in May. We work to be inclusive in providing servers—using both youth and adults. Congestion in serving lines remains a concern—we continue to work in this area. Individual cups of juice and bread will be provided for people with immune deficiencies. We will make an effort to take communion to those who need to remain seated—those who fine it difficult to stand in line.
Many St. Lukers continue their willingness to act as ushers and liturgist throughout the year. We appreciate your help in making our worship services run smoothly.