Melanie Staudt

Renaissance Scholarship

One Sunday more than twenty-five years ago, Melanie Staudt was asked a simple question: Could she fill in on piano at Jenkins Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Nolensville? She agreed, thinking it was just for one Sunday. Then came the next Sunday. And the next. 

That one small “yes” stretched acrossa quarter of a century, until her musicbecame the warm and constant heartbeat of worship at Jenkins Church. This year, after Melanie’s retirement on January 1, the congregation found a special way to honor her faithfulness.

In March, Jenkins Church partnered with Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, to establish the Melanie Staudt Renaissance Scholarship. The $1,000 annual award will support one Renaissance program piano student each year for at least the next decade. It supports study, practice, and performance, and encourages ministry that brings music to the local church, the heart of the faith community. The first recipient is Jacob Rasinar of Lebanon, Tennessee, who now carries forward Melanie’s legacy of music to inspire worship.

For Pastor Rev. Jason Mikel, some of his most cherished moments with Melanie were during Christmas Eve drop-in communions. For one quiet hour, it was just a pastor and a pianist, creating a space of reflection where church members could experience God’s grace. “Melanie never asked for a spotlight,” Rev. Mikel shared. “She just wanted to show up with cheer, know the hymns by heart, and play with worshipful beauty and she has truly been a gift to our church.”

Melanie’s dedication has gone far beyond Sundays and as a former teacher, she sees service as a high calling. A Nolensville resident for 41 years and a Jenkins Cumberland Presbyterian Church member for 38, she has poured her heart into serving her community. In 1988, she started Jenkins Mother’s Day Out Program—today known as Jenkins Day School, with 170 children from the community currently enrolled.

Even in her retirement, Melanie continues to serve—being a member of the Nolensville Running Club, fostering animals with Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, serving with the Jenkins Burrito Ministry and cheering on the next generation of musicians who will sit at the piano.

Through this scholarship, Melanie’s love of music lives on. May each recipient take their own brave seat at the bench, listen to the room, play with love, and create a holy space for others—just as Melanie did for so many years.

Jenkins Cumberland Presbyterian Church 2501 York Rd., Nolensville, TN 37135 JenkinsCP.org