Horizon Christian Stories

Helping students discover their gifts, talents, and passions supports our calling Where Everybody is Somebody and Jesus is All!  Our newly formed High School Worship Team is one such area where students are discovering and learning their innate talent and aptitude. Whether it is one the stage or behind-the-scenes, they are stretching themselves in leading worship for our school and at events. Continue reading to learn more about the director of this program, Timelle Rosen, and the students that are involved in this important ministry.

HCS: Please tell us a little about you, your history and what has prepared you to take on this role?
Mrs. Rosen: The Lord gifted me with the heart for worship at a very young age. I would sit and listen to my mom lead worship as a young child. Throughout my teen years I was on youth worship teams. During the ten years my husband and I were full time youth pastors, I led many youth worship teams, helping students find and grow their gifts. Worshiping God through music is like oxygen to my soul!

HCS: What was your purpose and vision for this group?
Mrs. Rosen: It is really God's purpose, and I am so amazed to be able to help students find the "wonder of worship" this year. I love seeing the students grow in their relationships with God and in the talents he has given them. The vision God has given me is to see the students begin to find that sense of wonder and awe for Jesus through our time together.

HCS: Tell us how the worship team came together and what opportunities you provide for students?
Mrs. Rosen: The worship team is part of the Chapel Class. This year with most classes online, the Chapel Class as moved into creating worship nights, and times for families and students to find that "wonder of worship". Within Chapel Class, students can learn to play and sing, as well as learn how to run the behind-the-scenes jobs of tech, lighting, and lyrics.

HCS: Who are all the students on your team and what roles do they have?
Mrs. Rosen: The students that our part of the worship team are Sara Ma- Lighting/Lyrics; Marcus Carpenter- Tech/Lighting/Lyrics; Derek Smith-Tech/Lighting/Lyrics; Carter Cochran- Tech/Lighting/Lyrics; Hannah Eldridge- Piano; Jade Campean- Piano/Vocals; Nathan Dillree- Guitar/Tech; Bailee Olson-Guitar/Piano; Carter Eldridge- Bass/Drums; Kaleb Campean- Bass/Drums/Guitar/Vocals; Alyssa Smith- Vocals; Julia Cloud- Vocals; Hayes Johnson- Vocals; Debbie Cotoc- Vocals; Ali Seger- Vocals; Tayte Nelson- Vocals.

HCS: What are some of the challenges you have faced and how have you come together to overcome them?
Mrs. Rosen: With classes online, there is very little in person practice time. We have implemented a new program online that allows each student to hear other parts and play and sing along while practicing at home. We also have separate band and vocal practices to help each group learn their parts before coming together to practice.

HCS: In what ways have you seen your students grow and mature in the Lord through the worship team experience?
Mrs. Rosen: I am pushing students this year to step out of their comfort areas. Students are playing new instruments and vocally leading songs. The students are really stepping up and learning new things with great attitudes! I love seeing students realize God has given them the talents they possess and the faith that arises in students as we complete these worship sets and programs. They are starting to understand the "wonder of worship".

HCS: You have had a few special events, please tell us about them?
Mrs. Rosen: We had our Fall Worship Night as well as our Fine Arts Christmas Show. Both allowed our worship team a time to really use the talents God has bestowed upon them. The Fall Worship Night allowed our students to run a full night of worship and testimony on their own. The Fine Arts Christmas Show was a compellation of the Drama Team, Photography Class, Art Classes, and the Worship Team. It was a fun night full of laughter and the Christmas Spirit. Both events were amazing and the worship team did such a great job!

HCS: What have been some of your most memorable experiences so far?
Mrs. Rosen: I believe my favorite memory was watching a student step out and give her testimony. She was extremely nervous but did such an amazing job! It was so touching to see how God built her faith as she was obedient to what he had asked of her.

HCS: If a student was interested in joining the worship team, what background or experience do you need?

Mrs. Rosen: None! We would love to have any student who is interested join the worship team. We are a class to train up students and believe if a student has the heart to serve, they are welcome to join. We are planning on several more worship nights in the winter and spring, and we would love to have you join us. We have a ton of fun while playing and singing together!