Rev. Mark Thomas, Senior Minister  

Dear friends,

It is with great thanksgiving that I announce some wonderful news regarding the ministry of music at LCC. We have hired a Director of Music, a Director of Children’s and Youth Music, and have named a Music Committee that will support and nurture them both.

After many months of advertising the position of Director of Music, the search committee is glad to announce that Max Bunker has agreed to serve as the Director of Music at Lakewood Congregational Church. A biography is not necessary for Max since he has been our interim director for a year and a half. In that time we have come to appreciate his abilities as both a musician and as a director of vocal and bell choirs. Truly one of the most respected church organists in the Cleveland area, Max has brought great music and a wonderful spirit to our worship. I value him as a member of the church staff where he has always sought to meet the needs of our church music. I have watched him lead our chancel choir and as a member of the bell choir I can personally attest to his great patience and leadership skills. Simply stated, Max is able to bring out the best in the voices of those he directs. I am very grateful for the committee’s selection and look forward to some great music in the weeks and years ahead.

With our church growing with the addition of young families, it was decided that we should have on staff a person who has that special gift of working with children. I am excited with the hiring of Lisa Heinrich as our Director of Children’s and Youth Music. In that capacity Lisa will work with Patti Komperda, Director of Children’s and Family Ministry, the Children’s education team, and Max to provide a program of music for our Cherub, Covenant and Youth Choirs.

Some of you will recognize Lisa as a music teacher in the Lakewood Schools grades K-5. When she experienced the unfortunate reality of downsizing in the schools, she was hired by the Cloverleaf School district where she is now employed. With a wonderful resume that includes YMCA camps, an English Teaching Assistant in Salzburg, Austria, and working in the Berea city schools, Lisa brings a great passion for music and teaching children the joy and value of singing and playing instruments. She is a member of the Greater Cleveland Flute Society and has received many awards and citations for her playing. She also plays the cello. Lisa is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar and recipient of many scholarships. A resident of Lakewood, she will be an important member of our church staff and a great leader for our children’s music ministry at LCC.

The Search Committee, whose members include Jan Young, Julie Warren, Lance Healy, Tom Leatherman and Susan Walker, have agreed to serve as a music committee to support these staff people in their ministry at LCC. As the Music Committee, they will meet and work with Max to provide the resources and assistance in presenting the wide variety of excellent music LCC has come to appreciate and welcome.

LCC now has a complete staff. I cannot tell you enough how fortunate I am to be surrounded by so many quality people with so many skills they bring to bear on their responsibilities. As pastor my task is to support and nurture these gifted persons and to make sure we are all working toward a common vision that meets the objectives of our Mission Statement. With great assurance I can attest to the fact that your staff at LCC is uniquely qualified to do just that!

Your friend in Christ,

Rev. Mark