Intro - Kim from Wichita, KS

[kbontrager]

Hi there. My name is Kim Bontrager and I'm the worship leader at First Mennonite Brethren Church in Wichita, KS. (Please don't be frightened by the 'Mennonite' label in our name.) I have an amazing husband and two great kids. Right now we have three worship services on Sundays that are in two different formats, 'blended' and 'contemporary' (labels labels labels....). My job is to handle the planning for both services, communicate with and rehearse both worship teams, and lead all the services on Sundays. We also have a part time director who works with ensembles that are a part of the blended service: adult choir (which sings almost every week), orchestra (once or twice a month), and a few other instrumental ensembles. My position is officially 3/4 time, which I actually have to stick fairly close to due to the aforementioned kids who require care when I'm away!

Biggest challenges: (1) finding appropriate music and arrangements for the blended service. The contemporary service music and atmosphere come more naturally to me. (2) working efficiently enough to get everything done during office time! (are message boards efficient uses of my time? and blogging? (http://www.kimbontrager.blogspot.com) don't answer that...)

I'm looking forward to exploring this site and participating in the ongoing conversation we're all a part of. Thanks for reading!

[El Ben]

If I didn't take my little TWC trolling breaks, I'd go insane. Although certain other mods seem to scoff at the idea *ahemTRAVISahem*, it's a proven fact that after fifteen to twenty minutes of repetive, tedious tasks, it's good to take a break and let your mind be occupied with something else.

That being said, welcome to the group!

[fmckinnon]

Ben,
After a day like todya, I'm glad you're trolling! Thanks for making all feel welcome!

And welcome to you as well, Kim! Great to have you with us!

God bless,
Fred

[kbontrager]

Thanks for the welcome! I've lost an hour and half of the day on this site; it doesn't damage my efficiency at work if I do it when I should be sleeping! Wheeeeee...........

[fmckinnon]

Hey Kim,
I guess it depends on if "work" is at the church! (grin) .. I'd consider reading TWC and networking through it a definite productive element of a Worship Pastor's job ... I've already picked up dozens of tips, some productivity software, several new songs, and fresh perspective that makes me a better leader for our Body.

If your "work" is for someone else, not involving that - yeah, be sensitive and don't cheat your boss ... but come home and post, post post, err .. don't cheat your family ... er ....er .. guess you'll have to stay up late or get up early! (grin) ... I got online at 6:30 AM on Saturday.

Seriously, glad you're here -thanks for posting the link to your blog as well - go to your "Profile" and edit it so that the link to your blog is in the signature area for us, too!

[garyhodges]

Hi Kim

I'm a newby here at TWC as well. I had to welcome a fellow Kansan. I grew up in Pratt, but moved away in 1982 to go to college. My roots are still there, however.

So your position is 3/4 time. That must be difficult when you really need to do a song in 4/4 time.http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/forums/images/smilie
s/wink.gif

Blessings - Gary

[garyhodges]

So I guess my little winkie emoticon didn't work. Bummer.

[fmckinnon]

;)

testing winkie ... hit "QUICK REPLY", then "Go Advanced", and click on it in the "Smilies" .. I don't think you can "type in" the smilies - you have to click add them from the "Smilies" tab.