(The following article was published in The Mascoutah Herald - 15 Nov 2007)

Music – an Expanding Ministry at Bethel

New faces are popping up all the time at Bethel UMC – this time that face comes with a big set of keys! Mascoutah resident Michael Elyard has signed on as Bethel’s Musical Director and can be found behind the 88 ivory keys of Bethel’s Bösendorfer Grand Piano, or their 2-manual pipe organ, each Sunday Morning. Michael’s path to Bethel literally took him around the world.

Elyard’s musical career began in West Virginia at the age of 4. He was accompanying his church and school choirs by the 7th grade. Organ lessons (on the 2nd largest pipe organ in the state) began in high school. According to Elyard, “The thrill of playing ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ hasn’t gone away - I love to lead congregations singing great hymns!”

Elyard graduated from West Virginia University with a Masters Degree in Piano Performance. After 2-years of giving private lessons, he auditioned for the Air Force Bands program, and was accepted in what he calls “the most profound step forward” of his musical career. The AF assigned him to bands in Virginia, Alaska, Nebraska, and Germany, and he performed at remote sites in Alaska and in such interesting places as Sarajevo, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Norway. In all, more than 2,500 performances!

Mike characterizes his musical style with one word – variety. He feels he is a jack-of-all-trades yet master of none. “I have met countless pianists who can play any one style much better than me,” he said, “but feel my strength is being able to switch from classical to jazz to rock to country to contemporary Christian to traditional church organ in one sitting. I try to incorporate all of these styles into my music - taking a traditional hymn and jazzing it up a bit on occasion.” As a matter of fact, strains of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” were heard during a recent service at Bethel.

When asked about the role of music in church, Elyard said, “There are things that cannot be said with words alone, so God invented music. The Word is powerful, but the proper musical setting can make it even more dynamic.” He feels that many people, especially today's youth, are more attuned to listening to messages through music, and when asked, “many people will tell you their favorite memories of church involve music.”

Elyard also believes, “that the music ministry must be just as strong as the preaching, or people will just keep looking [for a place to worship].” At Bethel, Elyard’s goal is to “enhance the worship service by building on the heritage of Charles and John Wesley, while keeping the music ‘new’ and interesting.”

Other goals include increasing participation in the music at Bethel, whether singing in the choir or performing as a soloist. “Music is a way of praising God, not a talent show, it is not a concert, it is worship!” he explained. Next, he would like to continue taking church music out into the community. Recently Bethel’s 5:05 band performed on the church’s front steps during Fall Fest, “It was great to see people walking by and then stopping to listen.” Finally, he would like to see more youth involved in church music. “I hear students singing in the hallways at school, I know the talent is out there!” Interested youth are encouraged to contact the church.

Speaking of choirs, Elyard said, “Bethel is truly blessed to have Carol Sinnard as its choir director.” Sinnard has performed with the McKendree College choirs and the renowned Masterworks Chorale. She has studied with several area vocal instructors, and “is very hard working, knowledgeable, and encouraging. She knows what will work and what won't, and is willing to try new things,” says Elyard. “Bethel is also blessed with an energetic and talented Praise Band.” The 5:05 Band leads an evening worship service on the third Sunday of each month, playing a mix of contemporary Christian songs and ‘updated’ hymns, including a boogie-woogie version of ‘I’ll Fly Away” that had the congregation rocking last month!

One of the striking features of a conversation with both Elyard and Sinnard is that they both named each of the many teachers that encouraged their love of music – a testament to the influence music instructors have on the lives of young people.

In addition to music, Mike is updating Bethel’s website – a very important task these days. “In this tech-savvy world, the web has become the daily newspaper, the Yellow Pages, the city guide,” he said, “when someone is looking for a new church home; most will do their research on the web.” His goal is to create a site that reflects the growing, caring place that is Bethel. A key feature is the ability to hear Pastor Jason's sermons online. “When you hear the enthusiasm in his heart, you will know why we felt we had to get his messages out into the world.” Bethel’s website is at www.mascoutah-bethelumc.org.

Elyard was the organist/pianist at Lebanon UMC for 3 years before accepting the position at Bethel. He also enjoys motorcycling, long-distance running, and photography, which he shares at www.michaelelyard.com. In addition, he teaches piano lessons, and serves as a substitute teacher in the local schools. “As much as I enjoyed performing, I've found that teaching has its own rewards,” Elyard said, “It makes my day when a student excitedly shouts, ‘I understand now’ or when I walk down the street and hear a student shout, ‘Hi, Mr. E!’"

Mike lives in Mascoutah with his wife Beth (who he met in a woman's clothing store – ask him about that some time) and son Spencer, who is a senior at Mascoutah High School.