2020 ANNOUNCEMENT
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is pleased to announce the promotion of Matthew Gerhardt to the position of Associate Minister of Music.
“We are blessed to have Matt and his wife, Rachel, at St. Paul’s,” commented Senior Pastor Glen Thomas. “Matt is a very gifted musician and a wonderful colleague on our church staff. We look forward to what we hope will be many years of his service in our midst.”
St. Paul’s Elders and Church Council approved the recommendation from Pastor Thomas, congregation President David Ziegler, and Mark Bender to promote Matthew Gerhardt, who first joined St. Paul’s in 2018 as Assistant Minister of Music.
With his advancement effective July 1, Matt will assume directorship of the Adult Choir. He succeeds Mark Bender who directed St. Paul’s Adult Choir for 29 years.
Dr. Mark Bender, Minister of Music, adds these words of commendation: “Matt has been blessed with extraordinary musical gifts. Daily he hones the skills that make him a first-class musician. Moreover, he is a student of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. He understands and upholds worship in the Lutheran tradition. He is a man of prayer. Centered in Word and Sacraments, the divine service is a place of refreshment and reinvigoration for him.
“Matt has a pleasant and winsome personality. He works well with people. He has endeared himself to many members of our congregation and to many of the students in our school. He has the confidence and respect of our pastors, teachers, staff, and parish leadership.
“Challenges are upon us. The landscape for corporate worship and choral involve
ment has changed. However, the future isn’t uncertain. Christ promised His disciples, and us, ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ It is with faith-imbued confidence that Matt will lead.”
