Dear Grace fam,  

We are thrilled to welcome Daniel Abellar-Neilson as our newest Choral Scholar!  

Our ministry of the Choral Scholarship Program enriches our worship life—and will be revived this Sunday at our 11am worship service!—while supporting current college students pursuing music degrees. We invest in emerging musicians by offering meaningful leadership experience in a sacred music setting—all made possible through generous giving and the support of our church leadership. 

Daniel is a freshman Choral Music Education major at the University of Houston and brings a deep love of sacred music and community. Originally from California, Daniel and his family later made their home in Sugar Land, where he attended Clements High School. During his high school years, Daniel served as a choir officer and student director, earned numerous accolades, and participated in the Houston Grand Opera Bauer Studio program—experiences that helped shape both his musicianship and leadership. 

One hymn that holds special meaning for Daniel is “One Bread, One Body.” He grew up singing it in his small church in California and treasures how it continues to connect him to new worshiping communities—an image of shared song and shared spirit that feels especially fitting as he joins ours. 

What excites Daniel most about singing at Grace in the Heights is the people. Community, he says, is at the heart of why he loves sacred music, and the opportunity to share his gifts with others brings him great joy. When he’s not singing, you’ll likely find him enjoying a good TV series or movie—especially sitcoms—or on the hunt for a great burger. While he still holds In-N-Out close to his California heart, he’s already a fan of Houston favorites like Barnaby’s and Burger Bodega. 

We are deeply grateful that the Choral Scholar Program is made possible through the generosity of this congregation and the thoughtful approval of our church leadership.  

Please join us in warmly welcoming Daniel this Sunday—and be sure to say hello when you see him in the choir loft. We are so glad he is here and excited to make music together!  

With joy,  

John Lee Bonner  

Director of Music