The First United Methodist Church of Boothbay Harbor will welcome five accomplished musicians for a special worship service on Sunday, Aug. 9, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend this inspiring musical service. A freewill offering will be received to support the musicians’ ministries.

The performers include:

Mark Thallander is an internationally recognized freelance organist, composer, and author who resides in Palm Springs, California, and Ogunquit, Maine. He joined the staff of California’s Crystal Cathedral in 1976 as a music associate and served there for 18 years, playing for worship services, concerts, and daily organ recitals.

In 2003, following an automobile accident and subsequent hospitalization in Portland, Maine, Mark underwent the amputation of his arm. Since then, he has shared his inspiring story through radio and television interviews and speaking engagements at churches, schools, and universities. In 2004, he received the Life’s Not Fair, but God Is Great Award from the Crystal Cathedral.

Mark has returned to performing at churches and concert venues throughout the United States. He attended Central Bible College and Evangel University, earned a bachelor of arts in humanities from Vanguard University, and holds a master of music degree from California State University, Long Beach. More information, including his biography, performance videos, and publications, is available at www.MarkThallander.com.

Wendy Hagarty, originally from Northbridge, Massachusetts, earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Berklee College of Music in Boston and completed graduate-level study in vocal technique and music technology.

She spent 35 years as an elementary music specialist and clinician in Framingham, Massachusetts, where she received the district’s You Are Special Award, nominated by her colleagues. Wendy also served for several years as associate director of music at Medway Community Church. Since retiring to Wells, Maine, in 2019, she has worked as a freelance church musician and currently directs the Senior Moments Chorus in Kennebunkport.

Ted Hagarty, a native of Niantic, Connecticut, earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University before completing a master’s degree in music education and wind ensemble conducting at the New England Conservatory.

He spent 42 years as a middle school band director in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where his ensembles received numerous honors. He was inducted into the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association Hall of Fame. Since retiring, Ted has served as an adjunct music professor at Providence College and taught in the Westborough Public Schools. He is now a freelance church musician and performs with the Coastal Winds Clarinet Quartet.

Janice Stover studied music at Wheaton College in Illinois and Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, graduating with a bachelor of music degree in organ performance. Throughout her career, she has performed as a pianist and organist, sung, acted, directed choirs, and led church music programs in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

In addition to maintaining a private piano studio for many years, Janice performed with the Trillium Trio in New Hampshire and the Trinity Trio in Maine. She retired last year as minister of music at Falmouth Congregational Church.

Mary Carol Kennedy earned a bachelor of arts degree from Colby College, a bachelor of music degree from the Hartt School of Music, and a master of social work degree from Southern Connecticut State University. She has also completed graduate coursework at Longy School of Music/Bard College, Harvard University Extension, Sweetser Training Institute, and the University of Southern Maine.

Alongside a long career in social work, Mary Carol earned her teaching certification and currently teaches at MSAD 60 and Tune Town Music. She has performed with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and a variety of musical groups. Most recently, she appeared with Mark Thallander in a program of American music at the Basilica in Lewiston. She has served as minister of music at West Kennebunk Methodist Church and currently holds that position at North Saco Congregational Christian Church.