Sunday is a bitter-sweet, transforming morning for me.  September 30^this my wife Beth’s last Sunday as the CIL Worship Leader.  After 21 years of leading worship – 6 of it as CIL’s primary Worship Leader – Beth’s role on staff will change to other tasks on our team.  We are excited that Aubrey McGowan will now be CIL’s worship leader, and will celebrate that gift later.

For now, I remember 21 years that my constant partner in ministry has always brought it musically!  Whether she was tired, sick, pregnant, recovering from pregnancy, grieving the loss of her father, managing Lincoln’s early health issues, or dealing with an immature, unreasonable boss (that, would be me!) – Beth always brought anointed, Jesus-exalting worship. She voluntarily and sacrificially gave up her role as worship leader to cement the merge of the churches that became CIL.  When ever we were in a pinch, she always stepped it up.  She raised up so many talented worship leaders, singers and musicians for the worship team, lovingly encouraging each to step in their God-called role.

So here are all the places for now I can remember her leading worship at: Cornerstone’s Jr. High room, Tabernacle, Gym, and Sanctuary.  In Frisco, there was Hillcrest Day School, Beary Best Academy, our house on Santa Clara St., and the apartment clubhouse.  At Sumner Life, there was Guild Elementary School, the Palace Theatre, Sumner Regional hospital, the Glen Oak clubhouse, and Station Camp Middle School.  Then, came CIL.  Remember those Wednesday night services?  No one will ever realize how hard that was for an elementary Mom to lead worship on a Wednesday night.  At every place.  At every service. During every song.  She brought us all Jesus.

So, now I am excited for a new era in our ministry and marriage. I’m looking forward to Beth helping me more directly. I need her more than ever before, and it is wonderful to imagine all God has for our ministry. Thank you Beth for being my all-time, favorite worship leader!