giving time & talent: WORSHIP BAND

GIVING TIME & TALENT

by Worship Band Leader Brian Schroeder (brians@lordoflife.org)

It’s a powerful thing to be led in worship by people from your own community. Over the past two years, these musicians have donated their time and talent with meaningful worship. I, as their director, am so deeply thankful for their ministry and friendship. Let’s get to know some of them here, with more featured on Page 10!

anna vinup, vocals

I started my musical career at age 5 and am now a junior at

Maple Grove Senior High. I enjoy being the manager of the boys’ soccer team. My favorite song is Dawn to Dusk because of beautiful lyrics and amazing harmonies. My parents were part of the band before I joined—it’s amazing to see them perform together! This worship band is such an incredible group of musicians. I wanted to also be a part of something fun and to create something beautiful to share.

danielle ‘dani’ vinup, piano and vocals

I’ve been singing since I was a little girl! I’m classically trained and have a master’s degree in choral conducting. A career highlight was recording an album of original music and covers in 2014. My four kids, ages 6-19, all love music! The worship band is what drew our family to Lord ofLife for good. It is a way for us to connect with each other, with our new friends in the band, and with the Lord ofLife family through music. Brian chooses great music to echo the liturgy and to connect with the congregation. It is a gift to be a part of this group, and it is my hope that we multiply and amplify that gift outward to the congregation.

john ferguson, bass

I’ve been a musician for 57 years.

I do have a “day job” as a chief information officer with the National Co-op Grocers. My favorite worship song is Brother as it speaks to the times we live in today. I give of my time and talent because I aspire to be a connector. I am blessed to be

Loved by God. Sent to Serve.

julie lind, piano

I have been a pianist for 44 years and am a composer, arranger, teacher, and YouTuber. After surviving breast cancer, I really wanted to push myself to do things I wouldn’t normally do. I felt called to audition—even though terrified. I’m so glad I did as it’s been a lot of fun to perform together!

Mari and Kerri Olson, vocals

Mari (at left side in photo): My first stage appearance was at two years old singing Happy Birthday to my great grandpa. I sing both mezzo and soprano ranges and have performed in community and school musicals as well as church and school choirs. My favorite worship song is God OurMother because I enjoy the harmonies.

Kerri: I’m a mezzo soprano with piano skills and enjoyed learning and playing chimes last Christmas Eve. I teach private voice and piano lessons and early childhood (ECFE) music classes. I am part of the Delano High School drama department and directed my first show last fall. One of my favorite worship songs is WayMaker by Nigerian female songwriter Osinachi Okoro. I love this song because when we sing it I feel the Holy Spirit moving through me, engaging me to worship whole-heartedly. I feel honored to be a part of the worship band and love sharing the experience with my daughter.

noelle smith, vocals

I enjoy singing lower parts and really enjoying harmonizing! I’ve been told by my parents that I’ve always been singing. My “day job” is being mom to three fabulous kiddos and wife to my husband Taylor for 21 years. Tough to pick a favorite worship song but probably I’d choose an old hymn like AmazingGrace because I remember sitting next to my grandparents at church singing that cherished song. I’m blessed to sing with the worship team at Lord of Life! It is truly a gift to make praise and worship music together to our Lord. Can’t wait for the day when we can finally join our praises together again worshipping in person!️

norm schultz, electric/acoustic guitar, mandolin, slide guitar

I’ve been a musician since 7 th grade; during the day I am an organization change management consultant. For favorite worship song? Yikes—there are so many! I think the ones which stand out are originals that Brian has penned. When our passion for a song comes through, the congregation notices and I believe they get more engaged in the message. I believe that the music we make has a lasting impact on those listening— giving them joy and leading them to reflect on their faith.

sarah nichols, piano and vocals

I’ve played the piano since I was 3 and am a piano teacher; I also teach

Ring & Sing classes at Lord ofLife. My favorite worship song is Beautiful Things by Lisa and Michael Gungor. I love the image of God making something beautiful out of each one of us that is described in the lyrics of that song. I love being part of this band because it is a wonderful community of people working together. Even during this time at home we have been able to stay connected via social media and collaborate on worship videos. The worship band is not simply a talented group of people, but also a wonderful group of friends.

shane vinup, vocals

Music has been such a great creative outlet for me from an early age. Faith and music go together for me personally and I am so thankful that I get to sing with my wife and oldest daughter. Worship bandmates are amazing people and the environment Brian has cultivated is fun and spiritually energizing. When not singing, I am an owner and CEO of Cyber Advisors, an IT consulting company.

tom naus, electric guitar and composer

I’ve been a musician for about 35 years and have played in worship bands for over 20 years. My favorite worship song is How He Loves as well as Who You Say I Am. I give my time and talents because I love to play music. But more importantly, because I am grateful to have been blessed with these talents and also to have an opportunity to use them to praise God first—hopefully blessing others as well. After

God’s love and salvation, music is God’s greatest gift to us.

Special thanks also to Nate Allenson (drummer) and Mark Olson (drummer), who are not featured. If you have questions on this ministry, feel free to connect with me anytime!