Jazz Worship Coming to Baker Memorial UMC Sept. 8

ST. CHARLES -- A new, and mellow, sound is coming to Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles.

Debuting on Baker's Kick-off Sunday, Sept. 8, Baker Memorial UMC will begin holding a Jazz Worship Service at 10:45 a.m. every Sunday.

The new service has its origins in a service with a jazz approach last February. “I felt a powerful call from God,” said Senior Pastor Rev. Ronni S. Verboom. “This service spoke to my heart. The music is mellow and smooth. Many components of the service may match those of our earlier, 9 a.m. traditional service, but the feel and sound are new, fresh and dynamic.”

“The February service was very well-received,” said Baker Memorial Music Director Jeff Hunt, adding that the Sunday afternoon jazz service at Chicago's Fourth Presbyterian Church is very popular. “We thought, ‘Why not start a Jazz Worship Service here at Baker?' ”

Church officials are not aware of any other area churches offering such a service. “We're hoping to reach people looking for something different in a worship service,” Hunt said.

Samuel Wyatt, a musician who plays frequently in venues in the tri-cities area, will be pianist for the weekly service; Joel Masters will play bass and Steve Hunt will play the drums. Vocalists will be Jeanne Fornari, Elizabeth Selden, Mary Hunt LeCuyer and Julie Nelson. Guest musicians from Baker and from throughout the community also will perform upon occasion.

Baker Memorial United Methodist Church is on East Main Street, between Third and Fourth avenues, in downtown St. Charles. For more information, people may call the church office, 630-584-6680, or visit www.bakermemorialchurch.org.