written by Brad Ellingboe, Director of Choirs at United Church of Santa Fe

I’ve known Ken Medema’s name my whole adult life. I’ve been honored to call him “friend” for the past 15 years. Ken was born in Michigan 76 years ago, almost totally blind. Like others we’ve heard of (e.g., Ray Charles, George Shearing) Ken showed a prodigious talent for the piano from the start. In his case, he’s devoted his gifts to God.

Ken has the uncanny ability to make up songs on the spot. “Ken, how do you do that?” To which he’s replied, “I really don't know.” Ken’s “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” and “The Tree Song” are two favorites at United.

We’re having a congregation-wide (limited to 100, first-come/first-served) Zoom session with Ken on Wednesday evening, Aug. 12 at 7:30 (MDT). Ken will make some music for us, then we’ll ask a couple members of United to tell their story and ask Ken to make a song for them in the moment.