Karen Baesman

Cherub Choir Volunteer Director

 
 
 
 
 

 

Your position and role at Powell UMC; What are you passionate about? I direct the Cherub Choir for our youngest (and most adorable) singers, ages three through kindergarten. I’m passionate about learning about God and showing God’s love to others. For young children, music is one of the best ways to do this. The kids are learning that God loves them and then they get to share that good news with the congregation when we sing in church. 

What is the favorite part of your job? The “leg hugs.”

Family: My husband, Rod, and I have been married for 30 years. We have three children, Kelsey, Jack and Nick, who have been a part of this congregation their whole lives.

Where are you from? I grew up about an hour south of Columbus. We moved to the Powell area almost 30 years ago and started attending the little church in the village, before the church moved to our current location. 

Ministry background, degrees, credentials: I have no credentials in music, other than I enjoy it! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from Ohio State and am now in the process of getting a Master’s in Education from OSU to teach high school math.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy traveling, tennis, snow skiing and vegetable gardening.

Your favorite quote or verse from the Bible: Romans 8:35-39 has always been my favorite, but one of my other favorites that is more applicable to my role as Cherub Choir director is Psalm 100:1-2: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” I like this for two reasons. First, it says to make a joyful noise. So even if you can’t sing on pitch, God delights in our joyful noises! Secondly, it is from Psalm of Thanksgiving and I truly believe that the key is being happy is to being grateful for all the good in our lives. “A thankful heart is a happy heart…” from Veggie Tails Madame Blueberry. 

What has God been teaching you lately? It is through my participation in the church that God has taught me many things. I have experienced joy and hope while working with children and youth in Cherub choir, VBS and Sunday school. I have learned patience and faith by serving as the Family Promise coordinator. In small group studies, I have come to understand that we were created to be in relationship, relationship with God and one another. God continues to teach me what it means to love.