From the Editor: Landmark Accomplishment

From Phil English, M.W.S., Beth 2007 (Pictured on a typical day in the throes of thesis writing): "Anticipation! As an MWS grad soon to be a DWS grad, the words "a good thesis is a DONE thesis" keep me going! I am the Senior Pastor at a small rural church in Lion's Head, Ontario, Canada—right on the 45th Parallel! We are experiencing renewal in a number of ways, one of which is a renewal of Sunday morning worship. We are embarking on the journey into Four Fold worship, and it is exciting! It has been a struggle, but I'm fully anticipating great things as we learn together what it means to gather for worship for the life of the world! Also, I'm thrilled to begin as the director of a distinguished community choir in our region, the Spirit Singers."

Bob George, D.W.S., Theta 2007, shares: "We spent Christmas in Colorado with our son, Jason, and his family. I taught a class on liturgical theology for the local clergy last spring, and will teach a 2-day event in March on theology and practical worship issues. In April I will teach a 4-day event on the liturgical year. Janice is thinking very hard about retirement from teaching this summer. She tries to encourage me to do the same. We are hoping to go for a balloon ride in July and welcome another grandson in April. Peace and love to all."

Craig Gilbert, D.W.S, Kappa 2007, recently underwent major heart surgery. He is expected to return to his work at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church (Sugar Land, TX), where he serves as Director of Music Ministries and Worship Arts, around Easter.

Julie Janisch, D.W.S candidate, Tau, created a Stations of the Cross display for meditation during this Lenten season. It is the culmination of her 703 project and features the artwork of members of her congregation at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in St. Albans, VW. Check out the article and photos in the Charleston Daily Mail.

David Leestma, D.W.S., Zeta 2005, changed from the position of Executive Pastor to Minister of Music at Grace Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX last year. David and his wife Cathy are proud grandparents of their fourth grandchild, a baby girl born to son, John and Katie Leestma last January in Oakland, CA. David says, “Hi to all you Zeta's out there!”

Clair Lundberg, A.G.C.W.S., Epsilon 2003 shares: "One of the exciting ministries I am engaged in is serving as a Director of Travel Ministry for Educational Opportunities through which I enlist and train tour hosts to lead groups to various parts of the world. One division specializes in music tours. Contact me for more information." 

David Manner, D.W.S., Xi 2009, has created a new blog entitled, Worship Evaluation: Asking the Right Questions. According to David, "The purpose of the blog is to generate discussion by asking evaluation questions of our worship to encourage worship renewal." David is Director of Worship and Administration for Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists.

Bob Myers, D.W.S., Theta 2007, reports: “I am leaving Huntington University at the end of this academic year to return to full-time local church ministry as Pastor of Worship at First Baptist Church, Sioux Falls, SD beginning July 1. My reasons for this change are two-fold: 1) Sioux Falls is less than ninety minutes from both of my kids and my grandchildren, and 2) while I have really enjoyed higher education, I know that the maximization of my gifts is in local church. Huntington has begun a national search for my replacement (see the job announcement and Worship Leadership program description). I would love to see an IWS grad fill the role. The program started with two students in 2005. Now there are more than 20."

Merril Smoak, D.W.S., Alpha 2002, has written a series of articles on the church year published in LifeWay’s Let’s Worship. He writes, “This coming June I will complete my 32nd year here at Trinity Baptist Church as Associate Pastor of Music & Worship. I am beginning my 6th year of teaching at Olivet University's Jubilee College of Music in San Francisco. The IWS experience continues to impact my ministry and teaching in numerous ways. And speaking of grandkids, we now have 7!”

Gabe Statom, D.W.S., Zeta 2005, reports that in August 2009, he became Director of Music at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN.  

Thomas Tyler, D.W.S candidate, M.W.S., Daleth 2008, conducted a performance of Messiah at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. this past December. His choir from Shiloh Baptist Church, where he serves as Special Assistant to the Pastor for Worship, received a glowing review, as did the soloists and other musicians on the program. See the article in the Kennedy Center Examiner.

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Giving to the Annual Fund

Please remember the work and mission of IWS in your giving. Your participation at any level is vital and appreciated.

Checks should be made out to IWS, noted "Annual Fund" and/or "Scholarship Fund" and sent to IWS, 151 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073. Tax deductible donations may also be made online through the Website (http://iwsfla.org/IWS/fla_contributions.html). Gifts may be designated in memory or honor of a loved one, and/or may be anonymous.  

Donations of appreciated assets, such as marketable securities, can be particularly beneficial to you and IWS. You can maintain your current cash assets, while reducing your tax liabilities. IWS acquires a tax free gift that would be sold at fair market value. Call the IWS office for more information (1.800.282.2977).  

Bequests

A bequest can create a legacy which generously provides for the future of IWS and demonstrates love and support for the advancement of our mission. The inclusion of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in estate planning assures that your gift will have enduring influence and impact.

If you are interested in a bequest, your attorney will need to revise your will or add a codicil to be sure the bequest is left to IWS. A copy of the bequest provision or codicil will need to be sent to IWS for our files.  Those making a bequest will be invited to become a member of our Legacy Circle.   

A bequest is a wonderful way to show a significant and long-lasting commitment to the mission of worship renewal. For more information, please contact the IWS office.

Your support of the ongoing mission of IWS is absolutely critical to the work of real spiritual transformation through worship. Thank you for your partnership with IWS.

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