I presently reside: In San Diego.

Originally from: Fort Worth, Texas

Education/Background: I have a Bachelor's and Master's in Organ Performance. I was a Fulbright Scholar in Madrid, Spain studying harpsichord at the Royal Superior Conservatory of Music. My Ph.D. is in Humanities with an emphasis in Spanish Music and Art History. The humanities Ph.D. looks at cultural achievements of civilization through the perspective of rhetoric, philosophy, semiotics, and theory to determine

E-mail Laurence

how music and art contribute to society and human knowledge. I use this same perspective to help people in their quest for spiritual growth through music.

Ministry Background: I have served several denominations as a pastoral musician: Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Disciples of Christ, and of course, Lutheran.

My Family: I grew up Seventh-day Adventist and most of my family remain members of that denomination. I am the youngest of four. My two brothers live in Texas and my sister lives in Pasco, Washington. My mother lives in an Adventist college town called Keene, Texas and dad lives nearby in a small town called Joshua. I have three nieces and two nephews. Many of the males and females in my family are nurses.

My partner is Matthew Naughton. His family moved from Kansas City, Missouri to Fort Worth when he was five.

Personal Story: Growing up Seventh-day Adventist shaped who I am today. Although I no longer belong to that denomination, I developed a strong tradition of family and church and attended Adventist schools my entire life until college. We lived near Chattanooga, Tennessee when I was a child and we often camped in the Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas. It was there that I developed a love of Autumn and fall colors. I love being outdoors on vacation. I love the high deserts of northern New Mexico and southern Utah. I love reading, hiking, good conversation, and good wine.

I started working at CELC: My first Sunday at Christ Lutheran was August 3rd, 2008.

My role at CELC: I am Director of Music Ministries. I direct the choirs and lead the church's spiritual growth through the singing of its song.

Most fulfilling part of my job:  The most fulfilling aspect of being a church musician is when a particular song suddenly electrifies the entire congregation and the spirit's presence fills the room as every voice blends in a magnificent kaleidoscope of sound. The Spanish would use the word "duende" to designate that the Spirit has empowered and impassioned the soul.

Spiritual Gifts: My spiritual gifts include the desire and ability to add life and zest to a worship service through the power of music. Music in worship is not a tool to dazzle or impress but rather, to uplift and enhance each person's spiritual growth. Sometimes the music soars, sometimes it dances; other times it laments and mourns, but my goal is that music always points the individual to the divine creator.