Music leadership as a ministry is a personal gift given to others as a response to God’s call. At Trinity we are blessed to have so many children, youth and adults lead us in worship by sharing their vocal and instrumental talents with us. We invite you to read this story from one of our Daybreak singers and learn about how music ministry has inspired her during worship and throughout her life.
I have been singing in church for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve sung in a variety of church choral groups ranging from traditional choirs to contemporary praise bands complete with guitar, electric bass and drums. I have always enjoyed leading worship through singing because preparing the pieces gives me time to internalize the words and their meaning. By the time we sing a song in worship, I know it well enough that I can focus on the message instead of the mechanics of singing, which in turn allows me to worship rather than perform. Another benefit of leading worship is that the songs we prepare stay with me throughout the week. When a phrase runs through my head, it brings me back to a moment of worship in the midst
of a busy schedule.
My husband Rob grew up here at Trinity and his mother Kathy is still a member. Five years ago, we moved back to Lansdale and were drawn to Trinity by our family connection and the children’s program. After settling in, I started singing with Daybreak, and Rob joined me a year or so later. It’s the first time we’ve sung in a choral group together, and it’s been fun to share that experience. We enjoy the lively, less formal style of music and being part of a friendly, fun-loving group of singers. Going to rehearsal on Wednesday nights is like therapy at the end of a busy
day. Our daughter Elizabeth began singing with the Cherub Choir in first grade and now sings with the Joyful Choristers. While our son Michael isn’t part of a choral group, he enjoys singing from the pews.
A few months ago, Andrea Baxter asked if Liz and I would sing a song together in worship. Of course, I agreed. While we were practicing, Michael asked to join in, and before we knew it, the whole family was involved. We jokingly referred to ourselves as The Johannesson Family Singers (a nod to “The Sound of Music”). It was wonderful to share the experience of leading worship as a family, working together to bring praise to the Lord!