Every Monday morning, our Pastor and Music Director, Mona Goetsch sit down to plan music for our weekly worship. The music is chosen to reflect the lessons of the coming week and highlight the sermon topic for that Sunday. Mary Shaima, our lead cantor and liturgist, also sends in her suggested list of songs and liturgical responses for the services. Songs are chosen from a variety of musical sources - some traditional and others contemporary. Each week, we try to blend the musical styles so that a parishioner will enjoy singing at least some part of the service.

As each liturgical season approaches, ( Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Pentecost) the music staff meets to discuss and implement what liturgy will be used for the season. This group includes the Pastor, Judy Collier; our organist, Marilyn Stenoien; Teen Rock director, Mary Shaima; lead cantor, and Mona Goetsch; music director. During this meeting, we review the past season, to determine what musical setting will be used for the next season.
 
We are presently learning the Sixth setting of the Liturgy from the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship book. After learning that new setting with the Lenten responses, we will probably move to Setting One of the ELW. 

By reviewing the lessons for each week, the organist and choir directors can choose their music to reinforce the themes of each Sunday. When our music compliments the spoken word, the worship service becomes a meaningful experience for all!