Jazz Service

On September 9, 2007, the church launched a whole new worship approach based on live jazz music, discussion and exploration of faith issues. The 11:15 a.m. service will be more informal than the traditional 9:30 a.m. service, with people sitting in small groups at tables as in a Jazz club.

The idea isn’t just to offer regular worshippers a break from the usual hymns. It’s a way to reach people who aren’t morning people, aren’t thinking about joining a traditional church, or aren’t even sure what they believe or why.

This service was highlighted both in local and metropolitan newspapers.  Read what the Star Tribune has to say and another review in the  Minnetonka Sun reports.

Meet the band

   Listen for yourself:  

• Audio Clips:  Clip #1  ,  Clip #2   ,Clip #3 , Clip #4,  Clip #5,  Clip #6  , Clip #7,  Clip #8

Why attend a Jazz Service?

The Rev. Ken Ehrman, pastor of the church, says congregations often get bogged down in building needs, social events and Bible studies for members. The jazz service is a way members are pushing themselves to recapture the excitement and sense of purpose of talking about faith with new people.

“I honestly don’t know if the new worship service will be successful,” Ehrman says. “I do know that we have a mandate to help people find meaning and purpose in their lives.”  

The church is collaborating with a band led by professional jazz musician and minister, Rev. Fritz Sauer.  “I’m excited about this opportunity of bringing some lively gospel and jazz to discussions about our spiritual lives.”

The service is part of the Minnesota Bishop Sally Dyck’s campaign to challenge members to push themselves outside their comfort zone, a tough thing to do in mainline churches, and even more so in Minnesota. The Minnetonka group understands the Minnesotan sense of reserve, and doesn’t even use the word evangelism.  Instead they are calling their new initiative “radical hospitality.”

“I think we’ve all been welcoming in our own way,” says church staff member, Vestey Leising. “It’s more than just greeting people when they come in the door. We need to remember and be interested in them.”        

Restoration Jazz Band Members:

Rev.  Fritz Sauer, Trumpet 

• an avid jazz player who recently retired as a pastor after 15 years at Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan

Tom Hunter, Vocals and Piano

• Like many before, Tom’s passion for music was born out of the church. Singing in the choir and watching his sisters at the piano, he developed an ardor for these musical instruments. Not one to be instructed, Hunter taught himself to play the piano and discovered blues from the preacher’s son who showed him a blues progression. Hunter’s path took him in and out of blues & jazz music for many years until he realized it was his life.

Nick Zielinski, Drums

• Nick is masterful on the drums having earned his Masters of Music Degree from the University of Michigan and currently plays with six bands. He's schooled in many genres of music from rock to jazz to orchestral and he has significant teaching experience from private lessons to university classes.

• Jim is from Des Moines, Iowa and played with the Irene Myles Trio at the Hotel Savery for fifteen years. Since moving to the Twin Cities, he has performed with Debbie Duncan, Charmin Michelle, Aaron-Keith Stewart, Signe Hensil, Dennis Spears, and Thomas Bruce.  He is a counselor who works for St. Paul Public Schools and homeless shelters.

Dave Graf, Trombone

• Dave is the first call trombone player in town for just about any type of job, and he does them all equally well. Dave's solos combine finesse and style to a very pleasing effect.

Link to the Twin Cities Jazz Society  for other jazz performances in the Twin Cities.