[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 54 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH WORSHIP AND MUSIC LEADER JOHN BRIGHT 
                  UPON HIS RETIREMENT ON MAY 15, 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER HOEKSTRA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Christ Memorial 
Church Music and Worship Leader John Bright upon his retirement. John 
Bright, who with the enduring support of his wife Marylin, has 
faithfully ministered for 40 years, including 23 years at Hope Reformed 
Church in South Haven, Michigan and 17 years at Christ Memorial Church 
in Holland, Michigan.
  John Bright is a true minister of the Word through his music. He 
turned Wednesday evening choir rehearsals into a worship experience. He 
evoked passionate singing in all of the choir's music by asking each 
member of the choir to personalize the message. He faithfully taught 
the Christ Memorial Sanctuary Choir the power of communal prayer. His 
choirs will always be remembered for excellence in singing, bringing 
clarity to the message and praise to the Lord. John consistently sought 
to coordinate the message of the music with the message of the Word. He 
used his God-given gifts and talents to provide a worship atmosphere 
for everyone who attended his choral-led services. Every performance by 
John's choirs, be it in a worship or concert setting, was conducted in 
the context of Psalm 115:1, ``Not to us, 0 Lord, not to us, but to your 
name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.''
  His smiling personality refreshed the hearts of the saints as 
described in Philemon 1:7. John Bright emptied himself so that he could 
serve all. John's life and music always provide encouragement to those 
most in need. He brought joy to patients in nursing homes throughout 
the year, leading them in worship and giving them cards and gifts. He 
tirelessly accepted the many requests to minister with music at 
countless weddings, funerals and other events.
  Let it be known to all on the 15th day of May, in the year of our 
Lord 2005, that the members of Christ Memorial Church and the Sanctuary 
Choir do affirm the above and ask for God's fullest blessings on John 
Bright as he and Marylin move to the next season of their lives.

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