-By Shelan Schulkowsky, Master of Ceremonies for Praise at the Beach
I moved out to Buena Vista four years ago after marrying my amazing husband. I was a city girl who loved being close to friends, events and shopping. My husband said if small-town life doesn’t work for me, we could move back to Regina. Over the last four years, I have fallen in love with beach life, winter lake activities, the small-town feel, and most of all, the amazing community atmosphere. One place that has captured my heart is St. Jerome Parish and the wonderful people who make up the church. One of the things that drew me to the parish was the beautiful music. It should not have, but it surprised me to find so many talented musicians right here in the Regina Beach area.
The evening was all about gathering together, reconnecting with others after these last two years and allowing God to open hearts a little more to His immeasurable love. We know music is a powerful gift that can lift our spirits, encourage us and touch us deeply. The night was full of amazing music from 4 different groups!
The night began with a prayerful message from St. Jerome’s parish priest, Fr. Christian Lindenbach, who will be with our parish for a few years to come. Music started with St. Jerome’s very own choir, who belted out a fantastic “I Will Follow Him” from Sister Act. Their fearless choir director, Lynette Gaetz, has been leading the choir for over 23 years. She is passionate about music, uniting people, encouraging even the shiest people to sing and gathering talented musicians. The group has two guitarists, a drummer, an organist and a piano player. It is a rocking group! There are two other original members from when the choir began in 1999. Over the years, there have been about 55 members, not including the current 19 they have right now. The joke is that Lynette easily recruits people because the choir area has the only padded seats in the church.
Jokes aside, the group really has become a little community dedicated to faith and having fun. Lynette chose “I Will Follow Him” in memory of the past choir members that have touched lives over the years. They continued with four more songs.
Next, we heard from one gifted young woman, Michelle Wrubleski! I first heard Michelle sing in church about a year and a half ago. It was after the church was shut down for a number of months and we could finally gather then eventually gather with some music. It was a time when I was missing people and community, and there were still several restrictions. Michelle started to play, I don’t recall the song, but I began to tear up. Her voice was not only angelic, but when she sang, she gave meaning and feeling to the words. Michelle sings with not only her voice but her heart!
Michelle started playing piano when she was 4! She took lessons for several years, but the majority of what she learned was self-taught. Ten years ago, she was asked to fill in at a memorial service at St. Jerome and has been playing here ever since!
Michelle told me that music is one thing that balances her. She finds it soothing, expressive and healing! Michelle’s favourite bible story is the Transfiguration of Jesus! She thinks it is the most beautiful miracle of Jesus. It reveals the glory of God and the perfect radiance of everlasting life! Listening to Michelle during Praise at the Beach, you felt like you were on a mountain top with Jesus!
We are so lucky that St. Jerome’s Parish and the Regina Beach United Church work together on many events and fundraisers throughout the year. It was fitting to have the beautiful voices of the Regina Beach United Church Choir with us for the evening, led by Carol Draper. Over the last four years of being out here, I realize she is very much weaved into the fabric of this community, pouring her time and talent not only into her family but into so many events, fundraisers, and community organizations, including being the organist and director of the United Church Choir.
The choir has been going strong over the last 45 years, with ten dedicated members who practice each Thursday and are at church Sundays to sing. They never fold, even if only 2 or 3 people can make it. The choir has bonded and become friends over their love to sing. The songs they picked for tonight are ones that spoke to them all.
When I asked Carol why music and church are so important to her, she shared that going to church on Sunday builds her up, gives her strength and she feels renewed. Her faith comes through music, and music leaves a beautiful message with people through the words of the songs. We hope they continue to use music to touch lives.
Lastly, we heard from Highwood Worship, made up of the husband and wife team of Mike and Loralie Hoffort. They have been married for 35 years and have two daughters and one son, all married to amazing people. Currently, they have six grandchildren that they adore.
They enjoy doing many of the same things and have a lot of fun with their kids and grandkids. Loralie is one super-nice person with the determination to accomplish whatever she sets her sights on. Mike cares for all people profoundly. You can see their love for each other and Jesus when they sing.
One of the things they enjoy together is playing music. Loralie originally was a member of the St Jerome choir. She has the most angelic voice, and I was always in awe of her singing. I had no idea Mike was just as talented until they were singing together one day. Mike and Loralie began to jam around at home. Loralie introduced Mike to some great Christian music they started to include when they played at mass during the last two years. The more they played, the more great songs they found to cover with a two-piece band and a country feel. That is how Highwood Worship came to be!
The evening ended with all the musicians and choirs joining together to sing one last song! It was a beautiful way to end the evening.
We are so grateful for all those who allowed the evening to happen, all the volunteers, especially Loralie and Mike Hoffort, Lynette and Brad Gaetz, for their vision! We hope this will become an annual event! In the meantime, St Jerome Parish and Regina Beach United Church have church services every Sunday at 11 am. All are welcome to attend, and I am sure there is room in the choirs!
