Resurrection Lutheran Church honored years of service given by two music directors. From left, Pastor Jeff Browning, Ed Dettling, Music Director, Elisabeth Erb, Assistant Music Director, and Pastor Bill Harmon. Music abounds at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection thanks to the inspirational talents of Mr. Ed Dettling-celebrating 15 years as Director of Music and Mrs. Elisabeth Erb-celebrating her 5th year as Assistant Director of Music. A reception was given in their honor earlier this month. It was there Pastor Bill Harmon presented them (and their equally devoted spouses) with flowers and a gift from a grateful congregation.

"Ed and Elisabeth bring an amazing wealth of musical talent, dedication, commitment and devotion to the glory of God's ministry." Pastor Harmon said.

A humble gentleman you can always count on for kind encouraging words and a sweet smile; Ed Dettling is part-chaplain, concert organist-pianist, choral conductor and teacher. Before any rehearsal or performance his thoughtful prayers are touching reminders that this is truly a man of God, who for the sake of the Lord has spent 30-some years serving a musical ministry in the church. He admits he's uncomfortable being the center of attention and is most content "hidden" behind the huge pipe/digital organ console. But nothing moves him more than hearing the congregation and choir singing. It reassures him, "We're all in this together." Ed says, modestly.

What Ed won't tell you is how instrumental he's been in expanding the worship opportunities at Resurrection by developing the adult and children's choirs, bringing a grand piano into the sanctuary, supervising the installation of the massive pipe/digital organ Resurrection is known for, and bringing in Mrs. Elisabeth Erb for the contemporary Saturday services, as well as Mr. Ken Meyn for the bell choir. In addition he conceptualizes and produces special occasion services so they are rich and meaningful.

At the reception, Ed thanked his family and faithful wife, Marie, as well as his mom and dad, Edward Sr. and Marion who are celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary this month. He remembered fondly how, growing up, his dad supportively drove him to different churches napping patiently in the car while waiting for him to rehearse on various church organs. He also recalls, as a child, it wasn't so easy getting him to practice his piano lessons-he would rather have been out playing.

This was not the case with wunderkind Elisabeth Erb, who once she started taking piano lessons in kindergarten, never looked back musically. Elisabeth-Resurrection's Renaissance woman and Assistant Director of Music -is a whirlwind of musical talent. On any given day this young teacher can be seen leading the cherub choir from the grand piano, playing the timpani in a Handel or baroque piece or directing the triumphant musicals Jonah or Elijah-as she did earlier this month.

Equipped with a music degree in both church music and percussion performance from Concordia University, Elisabeth recalls the angelic intervention that brought her to Resurrection. She had just started working at the Lutheran Family and Community Services in Hempstead with Resurrection's late über Gabi Pugliese. Gabi happened to be on the phone with Pastor Harmon that day and mentioned she was working with a new girl. Pastor asked if "the new girl" could play the piano...and the rest is Resurrection history!

With Elisabeth's Lutheran Church Missouri Synod training and vision for a contemporary musical service, Resurrection's Saturday service has grown in leaps and bounds. It started with only Elisabeth at the piano and Deacon Paul Pugliese on guitar; and now includes drums, bass, guitars, an eager team of singers and a big screen. What does she see for the future? "A larger worship band!" she says, enthusiastically.

When asked what does she consider a highlight? Without skipping a beat, Elisabeth says, the children's choirs. "They are a valuable part of our congregation. It is wonderful to see their confidence grow and their excitement in singing to the Lord."

Amen to that! Congratulations to Mr. Ed Dettling and Mrs. Elisabeth Erb! Resurrection is indeed blessed to have such a talented musical staff for the sake of the Lord's ministry.

The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Garden City is a Christian community of faith located at 420 Stewart Avenue. All are invited to worship at 5:30 PM on Saturdays and at 8:30 and 11 AM Sunday mornings with Christian Education at 9:45 AM. For more information, please visit www.resurrectiongardencity.org or call 746.4426.