Lynn Leitzen, Director of Children's Music Ministries

While Lynn earned her degree from Northern Illinois University in science and worked in pharmaceuticals after graduation, she has been intricately involved in music since childhood.  "Music has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, taking lessons on various instruments since I was five and singing and playing in choirs and bands at church and at school," says Lynn. Her musical involvement at Grace begin in 1991, when she joined the alto section of the Chancel Choir and became a familiar soloist at many services and musical events.  When she offered to help with Grace's Vacation Bible School music program several years ago, things really took off.  She has been leading Vacation Bible School music every summer since!  From 2001-2004, Lynn directed Grace's Cherub Choir, then took over leadership of the Junior Singers.  In addition, she began directing Grace's teen praise band, His Grace.  In 2006, when Pastor Bob Atkins asked Lynn to prayerfully consider expanding the adult praise team from short-term appearances at Grace Grill and other temporary worship opportunities to regular leadership of the 11:00 worship service, she faithfully agreed and has been leading the Praise Team, along with Music Minister Dan Wagner, for nearly two years now. 

Lynn's philosophy behind the Grace children's choirs is to provide a "family" through which children develop not only musical skills and worship leading abilities, but also lasting friendships with their Christian brothers and sisters that will keep them involved in church, from Angelus choir through Junior Singers, to their confirmation years and on into Youth Fellowship.  "It's about service to God and the church, while building relationships with adults and other children, that makes Grace a safe and loving place our children want to be," says Lynn.