Christian Education and new organ scholar - Rector's Rambling for September 20, 2015

This week we resume our Christian Education program for the academic year.  Sunday School begins at the beginning of the 10:00 AM service (children go immediately to the undercroft to begin Children’s Chapel at 10:00 AM).  Once again, the children will worship together and then be instructed in age appropriate groups, from nursery through high school.  A thank you in advance to our volunteer teachers and to the parents, godparents, and grandparents who make sure the children arrive on time for Sunday School.

Also beginning today is our Adult Education Series at 9:05 AM.  We will be doing a Bible study which will be complementary to our Thursday evening Bible study, but not a repeat of it, so you are encouraged to go to one or both.  In Advent, we will have the first appearance during Adult Education of St. John’s 101, a 4 week course being designed to introduce newcomers to the basics of the parish: Faith, Worship, History, and Opportunities.  This course will appear two or three times a year to incorporate newcomers into the life of the parish.  ALL CURRENT parishioners are invited to the series in Advent to help smooth off the rough edges and make suggestions for additions to it.

Also today we welcome our new Edwards Organ Scholar, David Heinze.  He is a third-year student at Hope College, majoring in Organ Performance and minoring in German.  He is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, and was recently Organ Scholar at Trinity United Methodist in Grand Rapids.

A Grand Rapids native, David is bilingual in Latvian, and his parents originally lived here in Detroit.  David writes, “I look forward to making wonderful music with you to the glory of God and being a part of St. John's ministry here in Detroit.  Please don't hesitate to introduce yourself!  The organ scholarship at St. John's is the perfect opportunity for a young, aspiring church musician, such as myself, to learn the Anglican liturgy and choral repertoire under a expert church musician such as Dr. Lewis.  I understand and deeply appreciate this congregation's support of the Music Ministry and of Dr. Lewis and know we will be a beacon of hope in this exciting time of renewal in Detroit!”