The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts (FUMMWA) honored Michigan's Dave Wiltse with the distinguished Copes Award at their gathering in Kansas City.

July 17, 2019 | KANSAS CITY, MO -- For his long-time service as editor of Worship Arts magazine, Dave Wiltse was named the recipient of the 2019 V. Earl Copes Award during the biennial business meeting of The Fellowship held here on Wednesday, July 17.

Presenting the award to Dave was Immediate Past President Laura Jaquith Bartlett, who chronicled his many contributions to The Fellowship.

"During my time on the council, I always appreciated Dave's wise insights, his sneaky wit, his passion for The Fellowship, and, most of all, his friendship," Laura said.

In 1985, Dave began doing graphic design and layout for what was then News Notes magazine, and in 1991, he became the editor. After overseeing the growth of the magazine into a full-color print edition and a digital edition over 34 years, Dave has begun gradually and gracefully transitioning toward retirement at the end of this calendar year.

"I've been blessed with an unbeatable support system," Dave said in his acceptance remarks. "I've also been blessed with excellent writers and editorial committee members, and you, the members of this wonderful Fellowship. What good is a publication if people don't read it? ... Thanks to all of you for this incredible journey."

First presented at Pathways 2015, the V Earl Copes Award was created by the national Fellowship Council to commemorate the life and spirit of V Earle Copes and his contributions to The Fellowship.

The award is to be presented to a Fellowship member or members who have given unique and/or significant service to The Fellowship over a substantial period of time, exhibiting a spirit of devotion to The Fellowship.

Learn more about The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. 

~ This article was reprinted with permission from Worship Arts magazine. Dave Wiltse served on the West Michigan Conference staff from 1977 to his retirement in 2009. He chaired the West Michigan Conference Program Committee and Board of the Michigan Christian Advocate from 1994-2002. He was a three times delegate to General Conference and represented West Michigan at Jurisdictional Conference an additional two times. Well done good and faithful servant! Dave and his wife, Marj, reside in Rockford.