“It’s just what you do…” Susan B. Crossland’s desire for caring, doing, helping and serving has deep roots. Her dad, Don Sr. was always coaching something, or leading the opening for Sunday School at church. Her mom, Phyllis, ran the church nursery, was the church treasurer for many years, directed Bible School, or had some volunteer project going. Sue herself has served in many ways over the years: Girl Scouts, Alpha Xi Delta president twice, head of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the pastor search committee twice, EMS coordinator for many years, church organist for 50 years, as well as choir director for many years. She also served on Village Council, played piano for music programs at school, coached track, gymnastics and volleyball. It’s just what you do.
Sue’s love of music, her love of her church and her Lord have kept her here at First Presbyterian in Paulding. She began playing for the Sunday School opening while in Junior High (“only the simple hymns,” she states) and continued with piano lessons until she moved on to the organ. Her first Sunday to play was a Youth Sunday service, and she has continued on since. While attending Defiance College, she put many miles on the car her parents bought for her just for the purpose of getting her back and forth.
On April 24, we will celebrate the love and the faithfulness of the Lord, shown to us through the music of our wonderful pipe organ as presented by our friend, Susan B. Crossland. We will sing for joy at the work of His hands, accompanied by her music.
For many of us, music is the bridge between our every day life and the life we wished we lived as a Christian. Music gives us a taste of the glory, a taste of the love and power of the Lord. When she plays, this church senses His majesty. As she plays at Christmas, we feel the love of the parents of the newborn Jesus, we feel the fear of the shepherds, the joy of the angels. During Holy Week, through her music, we know the pain and suffering that Jesus endured, we experience the sorrow and loss of those who loved Him and then we rejoice at His resurrection. All these emotions come through the hands and heart of the woman playing the 100 plus year old pipe organ.
None of this comes easily: even when you are given a spiritual gift, you have to do the work needed to grow and improve that gift. Sue is here every week to practice for Sunday. She is here for every choir practice. Not feeling well? Too bad, gotta go to practice. Had surgery? Too bad, gotta go to practice. Broken finger or toe? Too bad, gotta go to practice. Coughing so hard you think you’ll slide off the bench? Too bad, gotta go to practice. It’s just what you do.
Music is deeply rooted in our souls. And for the followers of Jesus, it is a powerful means of encouraging each other along the journey of faith. Whether our hearts cry out, “Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.” (Ps. 51:10), or joyfully shout “And He will reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15) the power of music that exalts God lifts our spirits and grants us peace.
You are invited to join us as we sing to the Lord, listen to His music, celebrate Sue’s dedication to serve both God and her fellow congregates on Sunday April 24 at 10:15 a.m. Lunch will follow, with an informal program.
