Neil Sedaka wasn't speaking about the leave-taking of a Music Minister, however instead of the separation of a love relationship. Wait ... isn't that what this is about anyhow? We found out the other week that Minister Wayne Robinson is leaving The Very first Cathedral, where he has actually served as Music Minister given that April 1, 2006. Now he's breaking up with us. Women in the choir are weeping at the thought. What's the reason for all the turmoil, the emotional outpouring, the shock?
One thing that appears is that Wayne Robinson has been a remarkable blessing to the ministry of The First Cathedral. In order to find out exactly what is behind all this chaos, I surveyed a few of the faithful. Janine Scott, who "signed up with the choir at a turning point" in her life said she is "absolutely nothing but appreciative for the opportunity to have worked with such a Prince."
Ester Delmonte likes that "his mother meant us much to him as my mom does to me." He has actually blessed Shelby Bradford, "due to the fact that of his kind spirit. He is really touchable and real" and "his generosity penetrates the room." From Dionne Welch, "what I experienced was that he always seemed to manage his load with grace."
Here is a man graced with an unique spirit. He would get in the Chapel with a flourish, holding pledges of another lively practice session filled with mirth, extraordinary music, prayer, love, guideline (and correction); and a check out from the Lord impended on every Thursday. Rare was the night that didn't consist of a minimum of one appreciation break, a minimum of one testimony.
There has actually been a breakthrough at The First Cathedral, and a major contributor to that development is Wayne Robinson. In October of 2008 (October 31 to be exact), the Appreciations of Zion gathered together in the sanctuary to record, live. Typically referred to as Halloween, this night was become a night in which we were able to stomp on the devil rather.
It was a long haul, however "I Think," the freshly-minted recording, was released on February 28, 2010, to fantastic reviews. Obviously, all of us understand whose hand remained in the mix - one Wayne Robinson. Songs such as "Your Grace," "In Your Will," "All of the Glory," and the title track, "I Believe," among others, came from the pen of our precious Minister of Music.
There is a lot more to be stated. He is the consummate instructor; numerous have discovered so much at his hand. As trumpeter Robert Alvaranga noted, he leads and directs with flair. A multi-instrumentalist, he is also competent in a variety of designs.
Listening as he plays the piano, you can hear influences from the worlds of jazz, rhythm & blues, classical, rock all tied in with conventional gospel, spirituals and contemporary Christian. We might not have actually recognized them, but it's a good guess that some folk, zydeco, nation and jug-band music made its way into the POZ collection as well.
Wayne Robinson has nothing to apologize for, absolutely nothing to concern himself with as he leaves The Very first Cathedral - gone, but not forgotten; away, but never actually gone; out of sight but never out of mind; permanently a part of the ministry and the lives of all those who he has touched, in many ways.
To wit, Janine Scott said he has "put so much into my life and family, it's insane. He taught my kid, Aaron, to play the piano; and not just that, he instilled self-confidence and a sense of pride in him that he didn't get anywhere else." "He cares about each and every member (of POZ) and will drop a line, phone or simply state the best thing when one of us is hurting," said Antoria Howard.
Angela Griffin, while extolling his musical and mentor prowess, pointed out that he "ministers to the choir members throughout wedding rehearsals, is a strong supporter for youth leaders in praise and worship."
From Jasmine Jackson, "he provided me the inspiration and chance to sing ... gave me gold nuggets of guidance that I will continue to utilize." Markeyse Hill - "he's been a father to me. He's very kind, leads you down the best roadway and is there to direct you back when you head in the incorrect direction."
Our outbound Minister of Music is a praying, God-fearing male. He reveres what was inculcated in him as he matured - to applaud and praise God, to honor Him in his actions, his words and his ideas. His teaching is unequaled. For this author, I discovered that what I thought I learnt about appreciation and worship was really little. He truly turned me from a loud vocalist to a lively praiser. I knew why to applaud God, but understanding how to do so is something he provided me through guideline.
How to thank such a guy? Here's what some others have actually needed to state about Wayne.
Druscilla Williams: "You taught us how to breathe correctly; now, as a result of learning that, I no longer require an inhaler."
From Dionne Welch, "He never spoon-fed me when I felt insufficient; rather he encouraged me to "offer myself away so that God could utilize me. Whenever I sing, that's what I do."
Barbara Ward provided that Wayne's http://zanderuhzq669.cavandoragh.org/the-music-by-no-means-concludes "enthusiasm for the Lord's work, whether in music or in basic, was absolute contagious and motivating."
Regina Moye: "I have actually learned more from him vocally - more than he will ever realize."
Talonie Daniels: "Minutes. Robinson's present, stability and management have taken my present and that of the Praises of Zion and the music ministry to the next level."
Michael Walton stated "it's been a satisfaction working with Minutes. Wayne. His style has actually been revitalizing because he brought 'traditional' music out with a twist on it to improve the services." Vanessa Walton added, "My confidence level has actually increased considerably because of his subtle motivation, pushing me forward in the presents God offered me."
Berlyn Trusty offered, "We both found that we understood some of the very same individuals from Gospel Music Workshop of America, and I'm grateful and honored to have actually been asked to aid with Praise & Praise on Saturdays."
Keith Simmons, bassist - "coming from a Jamaican church, I was unfamiliar with the style of conventional and contemporary Gospel music; in light of that, Minutes. Wayne has been client with me, and I have actually found out a lot."
Enough said? I don't think so. Min. Peter Thomas left us with an anecdote recently. Apparently, there was a day when Wayne was leaving the Cathedral and the door didn't close appropriately when he left, something that Minutes. Thomas gave his attention.
His response? - "Well, close it, Preacher. And do me a favor, please - get this scripture later - 1Thessalonians 4:11 -12, which reads as follows: Make it your ambition to lead a peaceful life, to mind your own organization and to deal with your hands, just as we told you, so that your life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on any person." It's clear that having a sense of humor will take a person far in this life.
Friendly's has what they call a "Pleased Ending" sundae. We are expecting a pleased ending here also. The First Cathedral and all its ministries have been boosted by the existence of this humble servant, who believed it not robbery to take from various musical genres and bring the Praises of Zion to yet another level.
Instead of be ensconced, stationary, from that level, it is perfectly clear that we are on an ascending scale, ready to reach even greater heights.
