Messenger Praise Band

Messenger is the Praise band from St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Obelisk, PA.  They play in support of a monthly Praise service at St. Luke’s on the 3rd Sunday of every month (except when the 3rd Sunday falls on a major Christian holiday).  They have been called “God’s Dance Band” by some who have seen their high energy performance.  Drawing from their members’ favorite music, Messenger combines rock and roll, country, and gospel, varying their style from song to song.  You may hear a new Contemporary Christian song, then have that followed up by an old Gospel tune (complete with banjo and mandolin) and have that followed by an old Rock and Roll standard, re-written with Christian lyrics. Messenger plays at various community and Christian events and might be a good fit for your event.

Messenger was formed in 1994, when St. Luke’s Obelisk was first experimenting with a contemporary style of worship.  The band for the first service consisted of four members, one of whom are still in the band!  The band (bass, piano, drums, and singers) played a few older songs and what were considered “contemporary” Christian songs at that first service.  Following that service, St. Luke’s decided to have a permanent contemporary-style service as part of its regular worship schedule.

A guitar player was added for the second service and Messenger continued to evolve over the years, adding other instruments and singers.  The recruitment of younger musicians has been a boon for the band but has played havoc with turnover, as teen-age members have graduated and moved away to college.

Messenger has had a distinctive style almost from the beginning. It’s an eclectic mix that defines the Messenger sound with their roots in rock and roll with an edge, traditional hymns arranged in a pop music style, and a bit of old time gospel.

Messenger has played a wide array of venues, including an anniversary service for the Bishop (as the only band asked to play the event), Lutheran Brotherhood Christmas parties, Thrivent picnics, and Upper Frederick Township Community events.  The band has also demonstrated the contemporary or ‘praise’ style of worship to a number of other churches.  Messenger appears regularly at other events at St. Luke’s, such as an annual Chili cook-off fundraiser and a variety of youth functions.

The current Messenger lineup is:

Messenger alumni include Judy Wolfe, Markus Weidner, Sean Stevens, John Founds, Mark Knepp, Mary Knepp, Ed Smith, Stacy Adams, Elaine Zesotarski , Emily Schlear, Lukas Weidner, Sandy Adams, Allison Fink, Smoky Panepinto, Walt Pickell, Kayleigh Breidor, Ken Dittman, Jeanette Dennis, Vicky Gaucker, Sarah Heller, Nancy Beck

If you have any questions, email Messenger.