There exists so many possibilities for music ministry here at HUMC, and one of our goals in the process of developing that ministry is to include more people – children, youth, and adults, of various ability levels – in our worship and in programs outside of worship. I also wish to include a wide variety of styles, which can range from classical music and hymns, to folk and Celtic music, all the way to current contemporary arrangements for a full band. Please contact Jeremy preferably by email at jhutson@humc.us or at (402) 205-2742.

To get specific:

• The praise team can change shape depending on the music we do; in other words, we would love to include other instruments. That can change depending on what music we are doing. There are times when a flute or violin might be nice, for instance.

• Developing a youth praise team is a major priority for both Josh and I, and would also be a tremendous asset to our youth program here.

• It would be wonderful to start a children's choir, something my wife Annette and I developed and led at our previous church.; and I would love to see an adult choir form.

• I would love for more people, both instrumentalists and singers, to be involved in special music, offertory, prelude, and postlude.

• In order to prepare people to serve in the music ministry, I would love to see a music lesson ministry begin here. We have the room for it, and I think there would be a high level of interest. Think about something cool like the “School of Christian Rock”. Fun, right? Other styles, too, of course.

• Lastly, I have been approached by multiple people regarding the drama program which was once strong here. My wife Annette would be a very capable leader, and together (and with the help of those who are served in the past), we could revive that wonderful ministry opportunity.

One goal is to prepare for the major church calendar events, Easter and Christmas. Newer groups could prepare for those, along with the praise team and individuals.

As noted above, please contact Jeremy preferably by email at jhutson@humc.us or at (402) 205-2742.

Thank you, and “In all things, Christ preeminent”

Jeremy Hutson

"The Staff Parish Relations Committee search team is pleased to announce the hiring of Jeremy Hutson as our new full-time Worship Director. Jeremy will have responsibilities over the worship planning and music program of HUMC. He will also be working to engage youth and children in music. We warmly welcome Jeremy, wife  Annette and two girls, Faith and Sophia and pray God's blessing upon them. His start day will be January 2. Jeremy introduces himself in the attached letter. Merry Christmas everyone!"

A warm and joyful greeting to all of you here at Highland United Methodist Church!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and our God in the ministry of music.
Music is a gift that God created and gave to all of us. We celebrate and worship both corporately and individually through our music in the singing of hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs.

My wife Annette, our two girls Faith (6 ½) and Sophia (5), and I have lived in south of Fenton for the past 2 ½ years. We moved here from Nebraska to help care for my father-in-law and be caretakers of the family homestead. In God’s providence, James passed away the day we arrived, and we rest in the comforting promise that he is restored and in Heaven. Annette was working for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (which is why we moved there, away from my hometown in Pennsylvania), and I was teaching at a college, giving private lessons, and doing the stay-at-home dad thing when I wasn’t teaching. We attended Faith Orthodox Presbyterian, where we both sang in the choir, and I directed and was head of the Music Committee for many years.

We moved to Michigan on faith alone, and with no job prospect. I began working in the insurance industry after a few months. Again, in God’s obvious providence, I was injured in a car accident in March of 2015. The rehab lasted until October of 2016. In that time, I began to hear more clearly a call to music ministry that had begun about 20 years ago at a Christian conference.

A little back story/bio: Both Annette and I graduated from Covenant College; it took me (ahem...) 14 years to marry her. After college, Annette returned home to Fenton for a while, and began to pursue her career. I began graduate studies in music, and started building a teaching and performance career. I have been blessed to serve on the faculties of The Lancaster Conservatory of Music, The Csehy Summer School of Music, Philadelphia Biblical University, The Pennington School, and Southeast Community College. Even more importantly to me, I had built a music studio that began in the basement, and eventually became a thriving, full-time music lesson and recording studio. I love doing recording work, by the way, both as a musician and as producer/engineer. In addition to performing solo, in 1998 The Pedrick-Hutson Guitar Duo was formed with one of my grad school colleagues. We toured and recorded 3 albums, which can still be heard on public radio worldwide. There were the various college bands (with embarrassing names... ask my wife!), loads of student recitals (which I loved to produce, and give these students a chance to do their thing in front of an audience), a fun variety of musicals, and other performance groups my favorite of which was an Irish house band at a fantastic restaurant in Beatrice, NE (if you ever happen to be in the area).

It’s all about Romans 8:28, really. God does work all things for the good those who love Him. And, we rest in the faith of the saving grace of His son’s sacrifice and the work of the Holy Spirit in us to both love and follow Him, and to follow His call for our lives. His direction and timing may not always coincide directly with our plans. But His way is better, and we grow through the trials. I am so thankful for the previous experience I have had in music ministry, but even more so for the ability to dedicate my life to the work of God in His church and in music.

I want to get to know you and create lasting relationships. Please do not hesitate to reach out. I desire your input and your participation. There are so many great possibilities for our music ministry in worship, with youth and children, and as outreach and evangelism. We will connect, grow, and serve together, here within the church, and in our communities, work, school, etc. What a blessing it will be!

Praise the Lord!

Jeremy Hutson