In November of 1998 a group of parishoners gathered together, united by a common desire: To create a music collection that represented the spirit of St. Michael's community. One of the cornerstones upon which the liturgies are based is a joyous variety of music. The members of this committee (Bob Lanham, Matthew Myers, Pat and Jerry Meyers, Mary Lou Johnson, Catherine Allen, Laura McCoig, Jane Walker, JoAnn Gill and Will Langley) considered many songs that represented the community. This collection shares the songs that were felt best represented our church family.

The recordings were done on the evening of January 20th and 27th, 1999. Tom Kaczmarek played keyboard while Melanie Muller directed the choir and assembled singers. (Choir members included Nadi Abernathy, Tim Bishton, Betty Bradshaw, Chris Burns, Jennifer Cady, Don Gardner, Scott Garka, Jeannie Guy, Hayes Hanley, Ginny Hudert, Jim Jones, Lori Kaczmarek, Bevin Kehoe, Jeanette Kissinger, Barb Niedermaier, Rita Oberleitner, Albert Rodriguez, Laura Rossmoore, Kim Spensieri and Helen Short.) Stephanie Stockman and Jill Foster added their flute and violin solos to complete the collection. The recording was then produced by Brad Bolling at Design Recording. JoAnn Gill and Will Langley lent their aid to the packaging of the collection.

It goes without saying that many, many thanks are owed to the participants. Father John Leonard's support helped to make the project a success! And the community wants to particularly thank Tom Kaczmarek and Melanie Muller for their outstanding (and ongoing) music ministry. Melanie moved on to new ventures in June of 1999 when she joined with James Hansen in holy matrimony and continues her music ministry with OCP publications.

And finally, to you, the listener of this collection, it is the hope of all who participated in its making that you relish listening to (and singing with) the community! May Christ Jesus bless you with a new joy as you sing the praises of God. And, if you are not part of our family, stop by when you're in the neighborhood and join us in our new worship space as we make a joyful noise together!