Brief History

Olive Branch Praise Band started as The Remnant in 1999 by leading worship for Olive Branch Ministries. During this first leg of the journey they recorded a self entitled album that is still available for purchase. In 2006 a transformation took place. Members felt lead to join other bands and to pursue worship in a different way. The remaining members prayed heavily and continuously on the next steps. The resulting decision became known as Olive Branch Praise Band. The band’s name is a simple title that describes their primary goal: to praise Yahweh under the covering of Olive Branch Ministries. The band does not consider themselves as Professional Musicians but Emotional Musicians whose only goal is to take their soul and lay it barren at the feet of our Messiah and Creator and pray that it be good and pleasing in His sight

The Players

Chris Blair – Guitar

Chris started in the band as Bass Guitarist for The Remnant but has transitioned to Acoustic Guitar. He has been playing guitar since… well for a while now… “Playing guitar is not only a part of who I am but it is a way in which I can serve the one who gave me breath, died for my sins, and promises me a safe landing, even if it is a bumpy ride.” While he is the acting Worship Leader of Olive Branch Ministries he stresses that “there can only be one leader during worship, our job is simply to allow Him to sing through us.”

Mark Szczepanski – Guitar

Mark has played guitar for both The Remnant and Olive Branch Praise Band. He is the gray haired wise one that keeps everyone on their toes with a corny joke when one is needed. He has been playing guitar since before his hair turned gray and will likely be playing it even when he has no hair left.

Steven Vinet – Vocals/Percussion

Steven has been a worship leader in the past. He is the band’s lead vocalist as well as backup Djembe (an acoustic drum) player. He has a lot of hair; most of it is growing from his face.

Sam Blair – Percussion

Sam is one of the original members of The Remnant and is our percussionist whose weapons of choice are a Djembe and a bongo set. Like most percussionists and/or drummers, he is loud and talks a lot, but he does a great job at keeping the tempo so we keep him around.

Jordan Szczepanski – Flute

Jordan played the flute in both Middle and High School. She does a lot for the band. She is our photographer, filmer, runs the power point during service, plays flute, and still has the energy to help us with our fashion decisions. She is what you could call our “Utility Player”.

Molly Rose – Vocals

Molly is the newest and youngest addition to Olive Branch Praise Band. With her addition she has brought “entertaining” moments to the band. She is a pure joy with a sweet voice.

Ali Florkowski – Vocals

Ali is gracious enough to join us every now and then. She could be considered an extended member of the band. While Jordan is the Utility Player of the band, Ali is the Utility Player for Olive Branch Ministries. When she is not running the ministry’s website, running the ministry’s online store, recording/editing audio, designing/printing the literature, and whatever else she does, she somehow finds time to sing with us and join us in praise and we are always glad to have her.