Sara Knoy's Story

09.06.18 | Community | by Sharla Bell

    Since she was two, Sara Knoy has felt at home in the hallways of University United Methodist Church. From the Day School to J-Quest Sunday School to Student Ministry’s Wednesday Night Live, and from Cherub Choir to elementary Chimes to  Chancel Choir, University’s music and age-level ministries have made this place a second home for her. And a second home became especially important when after a series of difficult circumstances, Sara and her mother found themselves living in a homeless shelter for several months during her fourth grade year. Sara’s young life has not been easy or without fear, but she has always known the safety and love found in her church family.

    While Sara loves Student Ministry mission trips and leading worship at Wednesday Night Live, she spends most of her time at University on the south side of campus in the music ministry area. Singing is her most favorite thing to do, and Ms. Mary McKay has always encouraged her, even allowing her to become the youngest person ever to join the Chancel choir, which happens to be Sara’s biggest claim to fame. Sara calls Ms. Mary her “church mom” because of the many ways she has cared for her over the years, giving Sara a purpose and people inside the walls of the church, and many Chancel choir aunts, big sisters and grandmothers claim Sara as their own. Sara says, “I’m an introvert and can be hard to get to know, but when I’m singing and part of the choir, I belong. “

    Sara gives back to this ministry she loves by devoting much time to it, especially in the summers. Sara has helped plan, set up and lead the last several summer Music Camps. She also leads large group worship from the stage at VBS every summer.  This summer, she is interning with the Music Ministry, and leading in both of these areas again. Additionally, Reverend Linda Smith has been an important mentor through the Chimes and Handbell ministry, giving Sara another way to share the love of Jesus through music.

    Sara just completed her sophomore year at Clark High School, and she sings in the choir at school as well. She hopes one day to pursue a Vocal Performance degree at the University of North Texas in Denton. In the mean time, she will continue to sing and ring at every opportunity at University. “People here have been Jesus to me. It’s a special place.”

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