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419-238-0631 gwendel@wcoil.com
I was raised in a Christian home and attended the
Methodist church all my life. My mother taught Sunday School and led Children’s
Church, so I began to sing and play for worship at an early age. I can’t
remember a time when I didn’t know that Jesus is my Savior. I organized and
directed a youth choir at Pleasant Chapel when I was in High School, and played
the organ for worship. I also accompanied the conference youth choir at
Lakeside, where I realized my calling to go into church music.
I attended Ohio Wesleyan University, and graduated with
a degree in music education with organ and church music as my major emphasis.
While in college, I played the organ and directed small choirs at Prospect
Methodist and Linworth Methodist Churches. I did graduate studies in organ at
OSU.
I’ve been a member of The Fellowship of United
Methodists in Worship Arts since 1965, attending yearly workshops in church
music. I’ve been Jurisdictional President of this organization, serving on the
National Council for 2 years, and on the Convocation Design Team for 6 years.
I served on the Conference Division on Worship for 12
years, and was chairperson for 5 years. I also served on the Annual Conference
Worship Committee for 8 years, and was chairperson of this committee for 4
years. I served as music resource leader for the Conference youth camp on
Worship for 5 years and served as music leader for The Academy for Spiritual
Formation. Larry and I were lay delegates to Annual conference for 30 years.
I’m also a member of the Fort Wayne Chapter of the
American Guild of Organists, attend the bi-annual national conventions, and have
been sub-dean of this organization.
The United Methodist Women has been an important part
of my church life. I’ve served in several offices, including 3 years as
president, and 10 years as chairperson of the kitchen committee.
I've been playing the organ for worship at Van Wert
First UMC since September of 1960. I’ve directed the children’s and youth
choirs, Harmonettes, and hand bell choirs. Currently, I accompany the senior
choir and direct the Mustard Seed Ringers, youth hand bells, and adult hand bell
Choirs.
My husband, Larry, has been very active in the church
also and is very supportive of my music ministry. We’ve been blessed to be a
part of First UMC for nearly 50 years, raising our 4 children in this church. We thank
God for this opportunity and for the spiritual leadership and fellowship we
experience here. |
