Growing in Faith
Posted on Mar 22, 2018 by Heather Lewis
I have a pretty ecumenical background: I was baptized Presbyterian but grew up in military post chapels, where Protestant worship was led by pastors of a different denomination every year. Our family jokingly identified as “Episcomethobapterian” – so I’m pretty comfortable everywhere. I joined my best friend’s Methodist church in college and later spent almost 12 years as a worship and music director in a Methodist church.
My experience leading music at Salem began in 2004 with a casual, intimate Saturday evening service while I continued to lead Sunday worship elsewhere. In 2010 I became your worship and music director and was amazed at the amount of music that happens in a Lutheran worship service! When friends asked about my new job, I let them know that we pretty much sing the whole time except for the sermon, and sometimes Pastor Dave sings then, too! But believe it or not, as much as I love it, music is not what I’m most proud of at Salem.
I got a call from a friend last night who attends a large, non-denominational Christian church. We were trying to schedule something for next week, and I mentioned our special services during Holy Week. She was especially interested in our Maundy Thursday service, and was thrilled to hear about our kids taking First Communion. “Can my kids take that class at your church next year?”
I love that Salem is dedicated to providing the opportunities for our kids to learn why we do what we do, and to grow in their faith. I love that our congregation participates in so much more than worship Sunday morning, and we all encourage each other in our faith journeys. Thank you to all who make these opportunities for connection possible – I am so proud to be a part of this spirit-filled place!
Heather Lewis
Director of Worship and Music