I wanted to take this opportunity to publically express my heartfelt appreciation for Terri Morton, our Minister of Music for the last 27 years. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve Christ with Terri these past two years here at First Church. For most of you, you’ve enjoyed the benefit of Terri leading us into God’s Presence for many more years than that! Several of you could do a much better job at writing this blog today than me, but I hope you’ll each add your comments at the end as a personal tribute to Terri and her impact on your life.

When I think of Terri, several key words (and one phrase) come to mind...

Worship - Terri has done a remarkable job at listening to the Lord; planning weekly worship services that honor Christ and draw us all closer to the Father heart of God. I have been so impressed by special worship services for Christmas Eve, Maundy, Thursday, Good Friday, Marathon Weekend, etc. as well as her Spirit-filled leadership at Overflow – our Prayer and Praise gathering. Her creativity is a God-given gift. Terri’s leadership at The Feast of Tabernacles in Israel for many years is another highlight of her worship ministry - literally around the world!

Excellence – Terri believes with all of her heart that God deserves our very best and she offers Him no less. She has high expectations of herself and others (just ask any choir member!), because of her love of God and her desire to please Him. She’s more than willing to go the “second mile” to make sure everything goes as its intended. Thanks Terri for all the “extras” you do behind the scenes!

Laughter – Terri has a great laugh! I love to see a smile break across her face and to hear her laugh. The Scripture is right – a joyful heart is good medicine!

Reader - It’s been said “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Terri is both. Terri is always reading the most interesting books. She has shared a lot with us over the years at staff devotions. I am always blessed by what Terri shares and will miss her presence at Tuesday staff meetings very much.

Coffee – Terri is a coffee aficionado! She loves coffee and loves to share coffee!
She has brought her own special blends of coffee to staff meetings every week for who knows how long! She loves to try new varieties and to “tempt” the staff with them (personally, I’m not old enough to drink coffee, but I’ve given in to Terri’s aroma-seducing coffee a few times myself!).

Passion for Jesus - Terri loves the Lord and is truly a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She has a deep faith that impacts her life and all her decisions. I know Terri is confident that the Lord is leading her to continue her academic studies and to launch out into this new venture of writing music for the Christian world. She’s too good for us to keep her to ourselves! I appreciate her Kingdom vision and pray God will continue to bless and use this most gifted daughter of His! Terri certainly lives out Ephesians 5:19-20.

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Thanks again, Terri. We Love You!!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. A special thanks to Ruth Schwab, and members of the choir for hosting the reception for Terri last night!