THE FOLLOWING review appears in the January/February issue of Worship Arts - a publication of The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts...................

"Roger and Jean Hicks share their story in music ministry.  My first reaction was: 'Here we go again, another success story.'  I was pleasantly surprised to find it was mostly a spiritual journey of this couple.  Their roots are in the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, and then spread, through music ministry, to the United Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist traditions. 

One of the compelling aspects of their journey is their growth from the gospel tradition of the CMA to embrace other musical expressions of faith, from standard hymns to classical music and to contemporary expressions of church music.  Equally compelling was the diversity of interests they bring to church music in the variety of settings they served.

As a retired clergyman I was intrigued by the relationship Roger shared with the pastors and the stresses they experienced in their ministries.  This sharing benefits us in seeing that ministry, especially in larger staff situations, is a team effort.  Senior pastors, music directors, and educators are involved together in service to the church community.  This point is positively affirmed!

All the chapters end with two questions: 'What if' and 'Can you relate/'  The 'What if' question leads to an exploration of alternatives they may have chosen.  It is a question we can raise in terms of our ministries:  'What if we had taken a different alternative?  Where would we be?'  'Can you relate?' allows us, as readers to add our journey to theirs.  Both are effective questions, making this a worthwhile read.  I recommend this book to enhance your understanding of how music ministry is a calling."

(Reviewed by Rev. Dr. George H. Carpenter, a retired member of the New York Annual Conference)

OUR CHURCH FAMILY has a growing list of people who are being affected by serious illinesses. 
Just within the past month we have learned of four church members who have been diagnosed to have cancer.
This past week a woman in her late 40s suffered a brain aneurysm.  She is the mother of a college student and a highschool student.  She has survived and has undergone successful surgery.   

LAST NIGHT at choir rehearsal we prayed for these people, and others, who are experiencing difficult times in their life.  We talked about how we as "ministers through music" have a "make a difference" ministry to these people each week as we sing from the choir loft.
We reflected upon the fact that music makes a difference in people's lives.  Music can minister to people as they listen to it on their iPods, M3 Players, CD players, radio, and other high tech gadgets..................but music REALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE when it is being delivered live by fellow church members. 
THIS SUNDAY we fully intend to allow God to make a difference in our fellow church members lives (and others as well) - as we sing at the Lord's Supper.  We will sing .................of the
"HOPE - JOY - PEACE - LOVE - REST for the weary - STRENGTH for the soul - COMFORT and MERCY that can be found at the table of the Lord........that "lives that are broken can all be made whole.
At the table of the Lord, there is LIFE and GRACE."
I PRAY THAT YOU TOO will have the ministry this Sunday (or any other day)of making a difference in people's lives......................whether that ministry is in the form of singing, teaching, caring, or serving Jesus in some other manner.

The anthem we're singing this week is "At The Table of The Lord" - words by Joseph M. Martin/music by David Angerman and Joseph M. Martin.
(Published by Glory Sound)