LifeTeen Band Loses Bassist, Fills Gap

The Epiphany Catholic Church LifeTeen contemporary worship band lost a key member but quickly took steps toward recovery on Sunday.

Tim Burns, bass guitar player for over six years with LifeTeen, moves to California following the July 4 holiday.

"This is a move that puts Tim closer to his daughters and family," Burns' agent explained while Tim snacked at Emack & Bolio's ice cream shop. "The opportunity was right; he'll miss his many friendships here."

"Tim once huddled us up, to point out how meaningful it is to welcome visitors around us with a handshake," vocalist Joe McDonald noted. "Ever since then I've made it a point to reach out to new faces when I see them during Mass. So that part of Tim will always be here with us."

L to R: LifeTeen guitarist Leroy Janke, drummer Doug Micklich, vocalist Shelby Miller, guitarist Tim Burns, vocalist Joe McDonald, sound technician/guitarist Mike Lieder, utilityman Jackson Stevens, vocalist Jennifer Stevens, utilitywoman Liliana Stevens (beneath pink dress), guitarist/vocalist Sean Stevens

Strategic planning for Burns' departure ensures that LifeTeen will continue to run smoothly.

Mike Lieder will slide from sound technician into the bass guitar role.

Utilityman Jackson "Jack" Stevens will take over sound technician duties.

Jack Stevens looks away from the ladies during Sunday's press conference.

Though yet unproven, his mastery of walking, drumming, snacking on music books and seizing microphones suggests a seamless transition into the position.

Stevens: "If I can walk, I can mix sound. It's like riding a bike. If bikes were 18 inches tall."

"Having Mike here to mentor me will be huge," Stevens said. "Not only on the sound board, but also in how to grow a beard."

Liliana Stevens will take over for her brother as cutest-baby-in-church. (Stevens could not be reached for comment.)

Band leader Jennifer Stevens deflected questions about replacing Liliana as baby-in-the-making.