February 2025
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois is integrating an opportunity for musicians in a unique and wonderful way!
For the last three years, Mr. Bill Dyche, a retired public school band director of 34 years, has led an ensemble of youth and adults at St. Paul’s. He and his family have attended St. Paul’s for 30 years and the time came when church leadership was looking for new ensembles to offer special music during worship services. There are many musicians of all ages in the congregation, and what better way for Mr. Dyche to lend his musical gift and leadership experience during his retirement!
St. Paul’s Worship Ensemble rehearses in the school gym for about an hour on the Saturday before they plan to perform for worship. Initially, the intention was to offer this opportunity to junior high and high school students. Mr. Dyche was approached by several adults who were interested in playing as well, so the concept expanded to allow for multi-generational participation. Mr. Dyche shared, “By adding adults into the group, it gave support to the younger players and helped them play with more confidence.” Other St. Paul’s members are very
supportive of this experience.
Some of the students who play in the ensemble attend St. Paul’s Lutheran School, yet many also attend area public schools in the community. The family’s of those public school students attend worship at St. Paul’s on weekends the ensemble plays.
Typically, the worship ensemble has played twice each year, enhancing the service with Christmas music during December and patriotic music in May, sharing their talents during pre-service, offertory, and post-service times. Mr. Dyche requests that participants have at least one year of instrumental experience. Generally, the music he chooses is at an early junior high difficulty level.
When asked about the makeup of the ensemble as a whole, Mr. Dyche explained, “We average around 30 players for these services, with flutes, clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones, trumpets, french horns, trombones, baritones, and percussionists. The age range includes 6th Graders up through adults.”
Mr. Dyche also shared about some interesting connections within the ensemble. There are a few parents who are playing with their children, a grandmother playing with two of her granddaughters, and Mr. Dyche’s wife is also an ensemble member. One member of the ensemble hadn’t played her clarinet since she was in high school!
These special stories about things happening in our congregations throughout the LCMS Northern Illinois District share unique ways of building relationships and connecting in and with the community. We at NIDnews.org look forward to hearing more of these types of opportunities and creativity!
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions, and sharing in a world mission field together.