Sunday, the church community of Asbury United Methodist Church in Highland Heights surprised Karen G. Schoulties with a special presentation for her half century of service as volunteer church organist and pianist.
Reverend Phillip Hogg presenting Karen and Alan Schoulties with 50 years of service award (provided photo).
In honor and celebration of Schoulties’ faithful service to the church, the congregation purchased a state of the art Roland digital keyboard with multiple sound and voicing capabilities. The worship service was followed by a reception in her honor in the church fellowship hall.
Rev. Phil Hogg, who leads the 200+ member congregation said, “While we all seek to serve God faithfully, occasionally there are those individuals who serve as amazing examples of selfless service, giving themselves and their gifts over a lifetime. In our church, Karen Schoulties has been one of those examples, playing piano, keyboard and organ at Asbury for well over fifty years. She has consistently refused any pay for her service saying this was her gift to God and the church.
“We have been blessed repeatedly by the music Karen plays before and during our worship services as well as in many sacred celebrations like memorial services and weddings, again desiring no financial compensation.”
Karen began playing weekly church services as a teen. The Campbell County native has played for countless worship services, weddings and funerals, filling the historic Methodist Church with the resonant strains from one of the oldest pipe organs still in use in the Tri-State area. As well, she still serves as pianist and keyboard musician every week.
The church’s music director, Doug Colyer, said of Schoulties, “She’s been one of the finest keyboard musicians in Northern Kentucky for 50 years. She’s capable and willing, always giving with a servant’s heart to share her gift of music.”
Schoulties says the Lord hasn’t given her a timeline for retirement anytime soon.
“The Lord has given me a gift to share and that’s what I plan to do.”
Asbury United Methodist Church
