At the end of the year, we enjoyed a couple of inspiring musical events. Our Christmas Cantata and Christmas Eve services helped us celebrate the birth of our Savior. We also had our annual New Year's Eve concert with concert organist, Isabelle Demers. She played masterfully, and the event was well attended. In early January 2024, we welcomed the Dordt University Chamber Orchestra. Another successful event in our lovely sanctuary! Preparing for and hosting these events requires much preparation and effort, but it's so worth it. How blessed are we to have such joyful activities that give glory to God! 
 
After a restful vacation with my wife, Miah, I turn my thoughts and attention to the coming Lenten season. This year, our Lenten journey to the Cross and to Easter will be full of uplifting and meaningful music. During Eastertide, we will offer an All-Bach musical program on Sunday, May 5 at 5 p.m. in our sanctuary. We will have two guest keyboardists--Julia Brown from Mayflower Congregational Church and Greg Crowell from St. Mark's Episcopal Church--to perform Bach's concerto for two harpsichords and strings in C minor, BWV 1060. Our Chancel Choir, with guest soloists, also will perform the Bach Cantata, BWV 166, "Wo gest du hin? (Where are you heading?)", and the guest chorus, the Choral Scholars, will sing the Bach Motet BWV 230, "Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden (Praise the Lord, All Ye Nations)." 
 
Also, mark your calendars for the Choral Scholars Concert on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Central. 
 
We are so blessed to enjoy these abundant opportunities to share our musical talents and interests with guest musicians through these services and concerts in our sanctuary. As the director of music ministries here at Central, I would like to say "Thank You" again for your prayers, support, and for your participation at these special events.