A Reflection on Creator's Worship and Music, 2025

Teach us to count our days, that we may gain a wise heart.”  Psalm 90:12 

We tend to name years once they are over, calling them good, bad, hard, joyful, busy, transformational, or whatever, at the end, when we can assess the previous twelve months and judge them according to some scale of success or failure, achievement or challenge.

It is an odd practice  Is it valuable to generally label 2025 like this?

Throughout 2025, Creator’s worship and music life reflected the collective heart and shared history of the congregation, while growing and transforming into something new. Worship remained deeply rooted in tradition while intentionally opening space for fresh perspectives, new voices, and faithful experimentation. 

A significant shift in the life of the congregation came through Pastor Emillie’s leadership in worship and preaching. In July, she guided Creator from the Revised Common Lectionary to the Narrative Lectionary, beginning with the book of Jeremiah. This move invited the congregation into a more expansive and story-driven engagement with scripture. Over the summer, Pastor Emillie also introduced a timely sermon series on “Holy Disruptors,” which Creator joined with other congregations in exploring. The series encouraged thoughtful reflection on faithful resistance, prophetic courage, and God’s ongoing work of renewal.

At the same time, Pastor Emillie led Creator’s Wednesday Bible discussions. These gatherings offered a welcoming space to examine the wisdom of scripture in conversation with daily life, enriched by the many perspectives and lived experiences of participants. From September through December, Pastor shared her deep love for Old Testament stories, guiding the group through rich and often challenging texts. The remainder of the Narrative Lectionary in the coming year will turn toward the Gospel of John, continuing this intentional journey through scripture.

Creator was also blessed this year by a variety of musical guest artists who enriched worship in meaningful ways. Bob, a percussionist Matt worked with played at Easter, María Olaya, a Colombian guitarist, shared her gifts during Lent, offering music that was both reflective and prayerful. Drummer Lasana Kanneh and vocalist Marilyn Keller also contributed powerful musical offerings that expanded the congregation’s sonic and spiritual palette.

Throughout the summer, Creator’s Hiring Team conducted an intentional search for a new Music Minister. During this period, guest musicians were scheduled to provide continuity and care for worship music. The congregation is especially grateful for the steady leadership of pianists Josh Stromberg-Wojcik and Matt Lotz, who were the primary musicians supporting worship through the latter half of 2025.

Advent was a particularly inspiring season. A Midweek Advent service invited the congregation to experience the ongoing music minister search through a liturgical lens, weaving discernment and prayer together. Creator also hosted An Evening of Poetry, Prayer, and Advent Music with Mychal and Theresa Lotz. Mychal, who is being considered as a candidate for Music Minister, and Theresa offered reverent, beautifully shaped music that resonated deeply with the season’s themes of longing and hope. Both also shared their gifts during Sunday worship services in the latter part of December.

The Creator Choir continued to be a vital presence, singing on Sundays and leading music for Christmas Eve services. Under Mychal’s direction, the choir’s offerings brought depth, warmth, and joy to worship, closing the year with a strong sense of gratitude and expectation for what lies ahead.