David Best

9/1/23

David Best has been a member of Hope Church since 2001, having followed a friend who was hired as Hope’s organist.  David and the friend had sung together at another church, so the friend invited David to come to Hope to sing with him.  David, who was a Presbyterian, was intrigued by the offer, having done some research on his family, tracing them back to Germany where Lutherans abound.  The invitation to sing was accepted, and David has been singing at Hope ever since.   

David is retired now and spends time with his wife Mary.  His passions and hobbies include not just music but also woodworking.  David plays the bango and guitar, focusing mainly on folk and European genre.  His work-working skills can be witnessed around Hope Church’s halls, sanctuary or narthex with the many wooden furnishings he has made.   

Asked what has kept David at Hope all these years, his prompt response was “the liturgy”.  He enjoys the sung Lutheran liturgy and focus on the worship service itself.  With that, one of David’s broad but unseen responsibilities relates to just that.  He has served as the Chairperson of the Worship Committee for 21 years, overseeing about 35 volunteer congregants who serve as Assistant Ministers, Acolytes, Altar Guild and Lectors; training them,  managing the weekly schedule, supplying the weekly lessons and so much more.  David said it’s especially rewarding to be part of helping young members in their church life as they serve in various roles in the worship service.   His wife Mary even pitches in by washing the white cloths used in communion each week.  Their behind the scene commitment allows Hope’s members to enjoy the full scope of weekly worship. 

His motivation is derived from working to make the experience better for the congregation.  David is always thinking of ways something might be enhanced.  And in his personal journey to do better, he took the steps to become an Aaron Minister in 2008, based on the prophet Aaron, which assists him in his education and training of others.  So, when you look around the church, or attend the next worship service, know that David Best quietly helped bring some of it to you.