If you attended church on August 30, then you have an idea of the significance of the Worship 101 program this summer. Eighteen youth leading us in worship, plus a few behind-the-scenes youth who ran the sound board and computer, put together song lyric screens and photo backdrops, and produced a video chronicling the whole summer.
Those of us who had the privilege of mentoring these students were amazed at their tenacious commitment to see it through: Wednesday night practices and discussions, daily Bible studies on worship, three very long additional practices, practicing on their own at home. They inspired us, they challenged us, and they impressed us. We leaders came away with a profound sense of God’s having orchestrated the whole thing, from beginning to end.
Here are some of the things that were impressed on us (both youth and adults) as we explored the meaning of worship this summer:
- Cody Satterthwait (acoustic guitar): “Every beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Playing music for God is a great beginning.”
- Austin Greenleaf (vocals): “Worship 101 has really opened the door to worship for me; it has shown me how pure worship should be.”
- Cassie Moulin (vocals): “Worship 101 has strengthened my relationship with God into a love-based relationship.”
- Ashley Bryant (viola): “Viola has really given me the chance to grow closer to God.”
- Judy Ziemer (leader): “I’ve loved watching everyone, kids and adults alike, working together, having fun together and growing together.”
- Ashley Bertsch (leader): “Worship 101 has been an amazing experience for me, not only getting to work with these kids who have wonderful hearts of worship, but also growing and stretching me in my relationship with God.”
- Jon Stadtlander (leader): “It’s awesome to see these kids using their gifts to praise the Lord.”
- Nicole Veit (vocals): “Singing in His reign.”
- Kellee Murphy (leader): “It has been a joy to watch our youth grow and use their gifts to worship.”
- Becca Ballou (audiovisual): “God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.”
- Laura Ballou (leader): “I am just amazed at how talented all the kids are. To God be the glory!”
- Tyler Arnett (drums/percussion): “I liked Worship 101. I liked playing the drums to ‘Blessed Be Your Name.’”
- Nicole Clark (keyboard mentor): “Completing the Pure Praise book has drawn me closer to God as I devote more time to praying and listening to God’s guidance.”
- Alyssa Stadtlander (piano): “Worship is a conversation: not just you talking to God, but God talking to you.”
- Jeanelle Reider (leader): “We had a little idea. God said, ‘Fine, but let Me show you My idea.’ Worship 101 — what an amazing ride!”
- Sarah Ballou (vocals): “I want to use my gifts for God, and Worship 101 helped strengthen it.”
- Ryan Bear (drums/percussion): “God gave me the ability; worshiping allows me to give back.”
- Barbara Francis (vocals): “Worship 101 has shown me just how important it is to worship God with all my heart. It’s one of the first times I’ve felt really close to Him.”
- Stephen Jones (audiovisual): “The Pure Praise devotional has really helped me look at worship in a new way.”
- Jordan Arnett (electric guitar): “I love to play guitar, and I can see Worship 101 as an outlet to my music also while playing for the Lord.”
- Zach Griffin (drums): “When praising God, give your all to Him, all the time.”
- Hannah Ballou (audiovisual): “I’m with my friends doing the things I love, for the God I love. What’s not awesome about that?!”
- Brandon Williford (bass): “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words. I thought this was a perfect example.”
- Kelsey Tucker (vocals): “Worship 101 has been a wonderful experience, both bonding with friends and growing into a deeper relationship with the Lord.”
- Brittany Chamberlain (keyboard): “Worship 101 has given me an opportunity to use my talents for God.”
Others: We didn’t get quotes from the following participants, but if you see them in the hallway, they’ll be happy to tell you about their experiences as well; Aaron Hume (audiovisual), Alyssa Eshelman (audiovisual), Julie Stall (vocals), Casey Bryant (electric guitar), Tyler Veit (drums/percussion), Eryn Schoenborn (violin), Curt Goldgrabe (leader).
Oh, and a special thanks to Darlene Densley and her crew for putting together meals every Wednesday night(!), and to Dee Ellsworth and Eric Eshelman and their crew for all the extra help and training.
Worshiping with you,
Jeanelle
