Throughout the challenging years of the COVID pandemic, we have tried to be flexible and creative in fulfilling our ministries in glorifying God while faithfully serving our congregation and community. Easier said than done!

In Central's music ministry, a small number of talented singers and instrumental players-and loyal members of the adult bell choir-have served as the backbone for our musical offerings during services. As I write this article in late February, I have heard the good news from our re-opening task force that Central is slowing returning to "normal" activity, which will include a full adult vocal choir. My hope and prayer is that we will ceaselessly continue in this direction throughout the coming months.

Our music ministries should also venture beyond building to reach out to the immediate, local community. With music staff changes and the COVID pandemic that followed, our church had, since 2017, discontinued the beloved New Year's Eve concerts. With a guest organist, Dr. Greg Hand, we resumed the concert last year and it was well received and attended by a score of organ music enthusiasts.

This year, we have some exciting concert events scheduled. On Sunday, October 23, we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the installation of our Shantz pipe organ with performances of Handel's organ concertos. Guest organists will be Dr. Julia Brown from Mayflower Congregational Church and Dr. Huw Lewis from Hope College, as well as members of the Grand Rapids Symphony. Also, for the New Year's Eve concert this year 2022, an energetic young concert organists, Adam J. Brakel, will travel from Florida to perform.

For our musical outreach, there's one more events that comes before any others this year. Our church has been invited to join the celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach's life and music, and we are scheduled to hold a special service with Bach's music on Sunday, March 27, during morning worship. A guest cellist designated and supported by the Grand Rapids Bach Festival Committee and our own instrumentalists and choir will join in preparation of the special music program.

Central Church's beautiful sanctuary and pipe organ (with great acoustics!) are well known and kindly regarded in the city, and we should strive to share them more often with people in the community. Your willingness, attention, and support for our outreach efforts in music ministries, as always, are greatly appreciated.

SOLI DEO GLORIA! (Glory to God Alone!)