Our Mission

Through our music ministry and our lives, GraceFlock works to bring God’s unconditional love and grace to all people – whether they are lost, found or somewhere in between.

Band History

GraceFlock leads contemporary worship at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City, GA and is comprised of musicians who have regular jobs, go to school, or are retired.  The group has lead the “GraceFlock” worship service since 2001 when Minister of Music, David Beecher, and several other original band members started an “experimental” worship service in the church’s fellowship hall.  The service was instantly at near-capacity – filled with disciples of all ages seeking to worship God in a less traditional but Lutheran fashion.  The service has been going strong ever since.  

The original music of GraceFlock, written by Lans Rothfusz and Gary Pederson, brings Lutheran theology to life and teaches of grace and faith through the words of Scripture.  As worship leaders, we strive for congregational participation rather than performance.  Our congregation routinely sings the original songs of GraceFlock found on its three CDs: "Living Gifts," "Alive in the Lamb," and "Life."

GraceFlock takes its original music and message on the road to congregations who love to hear new songs and are eager to learn about worship outside of past tradition.  Our original music ranges from soft, thoughtful ballads to hard, driving rock.  God’s message and our praise can be delivered in many different ways.  Thanks for listening to our music and supporting the ministry of GraceFlock!

Meet the Band

James Callison is an aircraft technician with Delta Airlines. He and his wife, Carolyn, have been members Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran since 1991. As the middle child of an oil field services manager,  James was constantly relocated while growing up. Church and family were the only anchors in his life. James has played guitar since his early teens.  He has fond memories of  youth groups of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) across Texas and Louisiana that have helped him lead music as a member, counselor, or sponsor.  James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion studies from Texas Christian University.  He plays guitars for GraceFlock and lives in Fayetteville, Georgia with his wife and two children.

Penny Kahley is the band's only true soprano.  She teaches preschool, plays in the COS flute choir and is married to Kevin Kahley.

Christie Pederson is an Office Assistant at Summit Endoscopy in Fayetteville, GA.  Growing up Lutheran in Kenyon, MN, as the youngest of 13 children, she first started playing piano in 5th grade and went on to sing in church choir, high school choir, and the St. Paul Chorus at the University of Minnesota.   While at college, she started singing contemporary music in an ecumenical singing group, Joy Folk, with her husband, Gary.  She plays keyboard and sings harmony with GraceFlock each Sunday.  Christie enjoys sewing, hand-stitching, and cooking in her spare time.  She lives in Peachtree City, GA, with her husband, Gary.  They have three daughters: Karli, who lives in Statesboro, GA, and Michelle and Heather, who both attend the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

Gary Pederson is the Research Leader of the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  A life-long Lutheran from Amboy, MN, he started writing songs and playing guitar in an ecumenical singing group, Joy Folk, at the University of Minnesota with his wife, Christie. His songs are written from life’s experiences ranging from Katrina relief at Bethel Lutheran in Biloxi, MS (Eyes of Hope) to remembering those in Christ before us (White Church on the Hill) to our guidance from scripture (Guide Me). Gary resides in Peachtree City, GA, with his wife Christie. They have three daughters – Karli, living in Statesboro, GA, and Michelle and Heather attending the University of Georgia.

Brandon Rothfusz is attending the University of Oklahoma, majoring in electrical engineering.  He is  an accomplished trombonist and bass player who enjoys video games and hanging out with his friends.  He has composed several songs under the name of Psycharpax.   Check out his music at this web site.

Kathy Rothfusz is a stay-at-home mom who works part time from home for M/A/R/C Research as a Desktop Specialist.  A life-long Lutheran, Kathy hails from Norman, Oklahoma where, nurtured in a highly musical family, majored in Music Education at the University of Oklahoma.  A bassoonist by training, Kathy plays the flutes (piccolo, C-flute, and alto) and sings with GraceFlock, is a member of the Christ Our Shepherd Flute Choir, and volunteers with the with the Starr's Mill High School band program.  Kathy lives in Fayetteville, GA with her husband, Lans, and their two sons, Brandon and Preston, both highly accomplished musicians in their own right.

Lans Rothfusz (ASCAP) is the Meteorologist in Charge of the National Weather Service office of Atlanta, GA.  A life-long Lutheran from Glencoe, MN, he started writing songs around the age of 10 and has worked the craft ever since.  Between forecasting the weather and managing the NWS office, he plays drums, guitar, piano, sings, encourages youth praise bands, and produces recordings in his home studio.  He serves Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in several leadership roles.  He and his wife, Kathy, reside in Fayetteville, GA with their two sons, Brandon and Preston.

GraceFlock Alumni

In addition to the "regulars" and worship leaders listed above, the following have lent their skills and gifts to GraceFlock over the years but who have moved on to other ventures: