Dear Central,
We hope you are enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon! Thank you for your prayers for our Staff Parish team in the search for a director of music and worship. We wanted and expected to continue to have great worship leadership for our church. We wanted someone with a heart for Christ, who could develop our congregational talent, who had administrative skills, and preferred someone who could play an instrument. As you may know, we advertised locally and nationally for this position. We received a number of extremely qualified applicants and one individual stood out for us.
Today, we are excited to announce the hiring of Dr. Marius Bahnean as our new director of music and worship! Dr. Marius Bahnean is Director of Choral Activities at Tennessee Wesleyan College, where he conducts the TWC Chorale and TWC Concert choirs, and teaches conducting, voice and music history. You can read his bio here. Marius also serve as the choir director at Allen Memorial Church in Athens, Tn. In addition to bachelors degrees in music and electronics, he has a Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of Massachusetts and a Doctorate in Choral Conducting from LSU. He received the Lockmiller Teacher of the Year award in 2017 and the Deane G. Hall award in 2018 for his outstanding teaching. In addition, he serves as the music director for the Romanian Baptist Convention and the CS Lewis Oxbridge Institute Choir in the UK.
Marius grew up in Romania and became a believer in an underground church. He lived in Canada as well as the United States and has served Baptist, Episcopalian, and United Methodist Churches. Instruments Marius plays include piano, organ, trumpet, keyboard, and mandolin. It surprised us that in addition to all he does, for a season for fun he played keys in a rock band. Marius has a calling not only to lead and play worship, but to develop the next generation of worship leaders. Therefore, Marius will keep his position at Tennessee Wesleyan and work here at Central UMC 25 hours a week.
Marius is married to Alina and we will have a reception for them on their first Sunday with us on Sunday September 9th. Our handbells and chancel choir will both begin on Wednesday Sept 5th at 6:15pm and 7:15pm respectively. Once again, thank you for your prayers and for your prayers for Marius and Alina as they transition to Central!
Sincerely,
Your Staff Parish Team