Music

A Message from our Worship Coordinator and Lead Keyboardist

God's gift to me is music.

I began taking piano lessons at age 6 and organ lessons at age 10 - my legs had to be long enough to reach the pedals.  God has blessed my musical efforts and the study of God's gift to the world - MUSIC! I have a master's of music in Music Education / Piano and Organ.

After moving to Topeka in 1991 and attending Prince of Peace, I began playing the organ once or twice a month.  By 1993, I became lead organist and remain the lead.  

Along with leading worship for all church services, I plan the worship services with pastor and the parish administrator. 

We are blessed to have Lutheran Service Builder software which aids us in adding in the "music" to read on the screen, the "liturgical" aspects of the service, and the prayers.  

I always listen to "requests" - - so if you have a favorite hymn please let me know. (One thing I have never learned how to do is to read minds.

For special services, we love to include special musicians and special music.  If you play an instrument, and are fairly proficient, please let me know and we will gladly use your gifts in our worship.  

Special times of the year, such as Christmas and Easter, are times for lots of "special praise" and great music given as gifts to our Lord.  Easter is coming!  I would like to have a choir sing on Easter Sunday morning.

In His service,

~Donna Gradert. Worship Coordinator and Lead Keyboardist

Handbell Choir

The Prince of Peace Handbell Choir was founded in the fall of 1997 with the purchase of 3 octaves of Malmark Handbells funded through a memorial gift.  Several years later, 2 octaves of Malmark choir chimes were added also through a memorial gift. 

The bell choir consists of eleven ringers, many of whom are founding members, and director Terri Good, also a founding member.

The Prince of Peace choir plays for church services several times throughout the year as well as participating in bell choir clinics and mass ringing concerts.  

Members of the choir must read music and have a good sense of beat and rhythm.  Members must also be able to physically lift and ring the bells and chimes.  

The bell choir provides its members fellowship and the opportunity to praise God through music.  

If you love to create beautiful music, praise our wonderful maker, and like to have fun with other great people, consider joining the Prince of Peace Handbell Choir!