Traci Love. . .

Director of Music Ministries

I agree with Michael Burkhardt in his article in the June/July 2001 issue of The Chorister, when he says that he believes church musicians are called by God to serve Him and others through the combined mediums of lyrics and music. As with Michael, this calling (he calls it a summons) creates a passion in my ministry here at First Church. When God opened up this "job" for me in March of 1997, He made a great match between the needs of our growing congregation and my strengths and gifts. I see music as not an end in itself, but as a tool to enable me and others to lead in the worship of Jesus Christ.

First and foremost, my position calls for me to play the 42 rank Schantz pipe organ for all services and for the chancel choir. I have the freedom to also use the piano in a blend of classical, traditional, and praise music.

Beyond that, my job is constantly evolving, with the idea of meeting congregational needs and also justifying a full-time position. I was charged with new programming. For me that means music!

We raised monies for and purchased a four octave set of handbells with has drawn mostly non-music readers. Bells involves twenty folks in a unique system of double-ringing. It began as an adult choir and became an intergenerational as those form our new Sing and Ring children's group outgrew that program and we do not yet offer a Senior High group.

I lead in a children's musical activity every day after school except on Fridays. I introduced music into each after-school club so that monthly all groups join together to sing in worship. We purchased an Orff instrumentarium and use it to teach Bible stories and songs in the 2nd-3rd grade Sunday School classroom. I started a hand chime program at our local Senior Center, and I visit our local Presbyterian Home weekly for a music and devotional program.

Last but not least, because of my English degree and 16 years experience in banking, I edit the church's publications and assist in the finance area.

But when I try to explain with specificity and in a list just exactly what I do her at the church, the list sounds so disjointed. All I can tell you is that everything works together in one God-led creative and energetic self-motivated process.
One of my long-term goals is to offer music to every age group here at First Church. I was working toward that when I started our God's Children Sing music and worship program for toddlers and preschoolers, which draws in quite a few non-churched children and ultimately their parents. I was working toward that when we started children's handbells for 5th - 8th grades, and I will work toward that as I endeavor to start a music group for high schoolers.

I see myself as part of a larger calling - a team member with the rest of our staff - and ultimately along with all others called by Christ - to use my gifts and talents in music as others use the varied gifts God has given the, so that together we can burn the words of Christ into the hearts of those to whom we minister.