Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music

When we sing and pray in our services, we are in the presence of the One who calls out to sinners, “Come to me.”

For many of us, Jesus’ call at the end of Matthew 11 has recently captured our attention with profound meaning.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-39)

These precious words have come to the forefront of our minds as of late. Books and songs have been written about them. Conversations have centered upon them. Perhaps we have felt more heavy-laden than usual amidst all that’s happened in the world over the last 26 months. Whatever the case, Jesus is reminding us of just how kind and generous his heart is toward us.

Jesus’ description of himself in these verses has deep and wonderful implications for our gathered worship. Instead of mistaking God for an aloof being who impatiently awaits our human efforts on a Sunday morning, we meet a Savior who offers his rest, a friend who offers his invitation. Therefore, an important aspect of gathering to worship this Jesus on Sundays is to seek him together, to sit at his feet and receive from him, to find the rest he alone can offer. When we sing and pray in our services, we are in the presence of the One who calls out to sinners, “Come to me.” May we draw near to him as we participate in worship together.

I’m thankful for the Spirit-empowered work of our music staff and volunteers. Last summer, Elaine Meyer retired from her administrative role and moved into a volunteer capacity. I’m personally so thankful for her years on staff and, really glad she’s still helping in many ways around the church. Lauren Fortosis joined the music team over the summer to help with these administrative needs. What a joy to have her on staff, especially during this rebuilding year! Debbie Hollinger was also hired last summer as the new children’s choir director. She and her staff have been doing a wonderful job. I’m very grateful for Ruth Gregornik for her piano playing, and the many things she does behind the scenes; Delena Ollila for all she does in leading our Glorify! student ensembles; H.E. Singley for serving as organist, Robin Wiper for assisting in project and service planning; and Sarah Herr for leading the God’s Children Sing ministry.

A few memories from the year:

• When we gathered all together in the parking lot for our One Service.

• The choir was relaunched in the fall after a year and a half hiatus.

• The Glorify! student ensembles led the morning services multiple times throughout the year.

• Children’s choirs led in our morning and evening services and blessed us all with their Christmas program and spring musical.

• We enjoyed our new monthly Community Celebrations on Sunday evenings.

• The choir worked on the Dan Forrest “Words from Paradise” project.

• Thursday Communion Service during Passion Week.

May God give us all, as worshipers at College Church, an unrivaled pursuit of the glory of Christ as the deepest joy of our souls.

The Music Committee membership included Bethany Albright, Nathan Bliss, Jay Cunningham, Scott Evangelist, Micah Lindquist, Caitlin Maurer and Erik Dewar as pastoral staff liaison.