Music Education As Community Outreach: Various Models

The Lutheran Church has a rich heritage and resource in its music. Not only does it serve to proclaim the gospel in its midst, but music can also serve as an avenue to reach out to and enrich our communities. This presentation will explore various ways that local congregations have used music education to both reach out and raise up future church musicians.

Bio | Johann Caauwe

Pastor Caauwe serves St. John’s in Wood Lake, Minn., which has conducted a summer music program for the congregation and community for over ten years and held an annual hymn festival for five years. He serves as circuit pastor and vice president for the Hausvater Project.

Bio | Michaela Zabell

Michaela is a 2022 graduate of Martin Luther College, receiving degrees in elementary education and parish music. Prior to graduation, she served twice as the summer music teacher at St. John’s in Wood Lake. In 2024, she will return as a guest organist for their annual hymn festival. After graduation, she served one-year assignments to teach 4th grade and 4th-8th music at St. John’s, Milwaukee, Wis., and to teach 2nd-4th grade and K-4th music at Our Savior, Brookings, S.D. She is an enthusiastic church organist and is passionate about sharing God’s gift of music with children.