The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is pleased to share information about our new Minister of Worship and Fine Arts: Rhonda Blacklock.  

Rhonda comes to Grace United Methodist Church after serving at Southport Presbyterian Church as the Director of Fine Arts Ministries. Rhonda will be assuming the position on Wednesday, February 1st. 

Rhonda began musical study at age nine with piano lessons, followed by flute and organ.  Rhonda has a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and a Master of Music (also in piano performance) from Bradley University in Peoria. A church musician since the age of twelve, she has served the church in many different capacities. Rhonda has also been very active in the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and has served as the chairperson of the Guild in Indiana. She has led children, youth, and adult handbell choirs through her tenure at Southport Presbyterian Church.

Rhonda is married to Ron Blacklock. Ron is currently the Deputy Director of Marion County Forensic Services Agency. Rhonda and Ron have been married for 28 years and have two adult children: Nick and Kaitlin.

Reception for Rhonda Blacklock
A reception will take place on Sunday, February 4th, at 10:15 a.m. in Price Hall for Rhonda and Ron Blacklock. Rhonda is the new Minister of Worship & Fine Arts.

It is the “morning after” my last Sunday at Grace, and I’m sitting at my desk reviewing the thoughtful cards and good wishes from my friends and colleagues.  The celebration meant so much to me ~~ from the humorous montage by the staff and choir, to the lovely reception and long line of well-wishers who greeted me. I wish I could have spoken to you during those last services, but I was concerned about keeping my composure!  The message I do want to convey is my gratefulness for your love and support through the past 25 years.

My involvement with the music ministry has been a constant and steady current in my life and has provided me with a nurturing place to grow musically and mature spiritually.  I am thankful for the devotion and loyalty of the volunteers who shared their time and talents with me. It was such a joy to make music with you.

I’m afraid that working with the staff at Grace has spoiled me for any other position. What fun we had, laughing and sharing and creating ~~ bonding as we spent time working together. I appreciate the great gifts each of them brought to the task, and the collaborative attitudes that made work a pleasure.
Finally, I am overwhelmed at the generosity of your Love Gift. Once again, you demonstrated love and kindness in a very tangible form.  Thank you so much.

I desire to maintain connection with you, and with all the easy methods of communication, there should be no excuse for not keeping in touch.  Even though I must admit my lack of technological ability, I promise to master Facebook!  My contact information is:

Sarai (Zook) St. Jayne
11031 Jones Rd. Berrien Springs, MI 49103
812-322-4381
saraizook@gmail.com

One Great Hour of Sharing is set for March 17th and 18th.  During worship a special offering for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) will be received.  The purpose of the offering is to undergird the administrative costs of UMCOR, thus allowing 100% of all financial support to provide assistance.