Susan Stark

I’m delighted to join you here at FFGCC, to work with talented and able staff, and immerse myself in lovely music for worship and praise. Here is a brief bio intro and overview for you:
Born in 1953, I grew up the UCC, my father serving churches as a pastor--with my mother as active supportive partner--in CA, IN, CO, IA, and MN, teaching, preaching and always asking “WWJD?” They retired to the Uplands Community in 1987; my father founded the Cumberland County chapter of VORP--Victim Offender Reconciliation Program and my mother was active with Avalon. In the late 1950’s as Moderator for the CO Conference of the E&R, then the UCC Conference, my father helped to establish the UCC from its German and English traditions, was involved in migrant ministry, street ministry, civil rights, interfaith dialogue and action, religious peace and reconciliation efforts, food security issues and more. We were immersed in the music of these movements and traditions. During those same years (‘59-’71) I studied classical piano, voice, music theory, and had excellent public school musical opportunities. My interests, concerns and activities grew through college and seminary, and I joined the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), yet maintained my connections in the UCC.
My husband and I moved to Pleasant Hill, TN in 2005, for me to help care for elderly relatives (parents and aunt (all members of Uplands and PH Community Church since 1987), which I did until 2018; Shortly after which, my husband’s 40 year law practicing screeched to a halt when his health collapsed; I cared for him ’til he passed away end of 2023. . . Family members all living elsewhere, but always in close contact. Only now, still living in Pleasant Hil, am I ready to resume more musical activity, so this opportunity is an unexpected blessing.
I/We are blessed with two amazing daughters, raised in NH and IN, who’ve inspired much of my songwriting and recording. I’ve produced 5 albums( with more waiting in the wings); served as accompanist and/or substitute keyboardist over the years for a variety of churches; provided special music for weddings, funerals, memorials; done singing/song leading for regional, national and international gatherings; and before we moved to TN from Richmond, IN, I taught voice, piano, music theory, and directed community and children’s musical theater I always give a shout out to Spirit of collaboration, and to sound engineers who make so much possible!)
I am a 23 year cancer survivor, for which I gratefully credit many healing interventions, and preventatives, which I maintain to this day, including an intentional attitude of gratitude and active relationship with Spirit for navigating life. I believe Music, put to its highest purposes, can inspire us, personally and universally to live and love on this marvelous planet. I look forward to our time together. Thank you for the privilege.