Sherryl Gilsdorf
Children’s Choir Volunteer Director
Your position and role at Powell UMC? What are you passionate about? Children’s Choir Director. I’m also a member of the Children’s Ministry Counsel and I play in the Celebration Bell Choir and sing in the Chancel Choir.
What is the favorite part of your job? Getting to know the kids. They each have different interests and personalities. They all seem to love singing. That is the one thing they have in common. I love watching them grow musically and learn that they are capable of more intricate songs.
Family: My husband Tom, and we have 2 sons, Grant who is married to Amber and Todd who is married to Jillian. Amber teaches at Olentangy Liberty High School and Jillian is a teacher at Chillicothe Middle School. We have 4 grandchildren, Claire, Ethan, Coen, and Benjamin.
Where are you from? I was born in Augsburg, Germany. My dad served in the army. I grew up in Willard, OH, moved to Toledo after I got married and raised my kids in Waterville, OH. After I retired, my husband and I moved to Powell to be near my kids and grand kids.
Ministry background, degrees, credentials: I have a degree in music education from the University of Toledo, where I met my husband. I taught general music from preschool to 8th grade and beginners band at Calvary Christian School for 22 years. I also had a show choir who sang throughout Toledo. I taught Sunday school and directed the Children’s Choir at Zion Lutheran Church for 10 years and directed the Christmas programs.
What are your hobbies? I love to read. I also love to knit and crochet. I especially love knitting or crocheting stuffed toys for my grand kids. I’ve designed knitted clothes for them as well. Singing is my first love, of course. I’m always signing. If you see me walking and I look like I’m talking to myself, I’m actually singing.
Your favorite quote or verse from the Bible: Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know that plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
What has God been teaching you lately? God has taught me to look to Him for His strength, guidance, and grace. He is ever present through the bad as well as the good times. I know I can always count on Him.