Rooted in the Lord
Dorothy Jude Ophals
"To participate in and lead worship is such an awesome privilege. Together, we enter through the portal of praise into the holy courts of His presence. What unspeakable joy."
— Dorothy Jude Ophals
Dorothy Jude Ophals has been expressing herself through song for three decades. Born into a musical family, she was exposed to a wide range of genres at a very young age. It was not until she had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ that Dorothy became deeply committed to using her gifts in order to have a more meaningful and lasting impact upon both the churched and unchurched. Her hunger for the Word and her desire to bring glory to God fuels her passion as a songwriter, worship leader, and choir director. Dorothy is involved in the music ministry of her home church in New York, Smithtown Tabernacle.
Dorothy has a great resolve to see the Church universal grow in knowledge and passion concerning the things of God. She has devoted her life to searching Him out through His Word, prayer and fasting, and asking Him to reveal Himself through every facet of her platform. Dorothy has written a wide range of songs that include worship, modern hymns, children's songs, as well as raw, thought-provoking solo pieces. She draws upon her own hard-earned life lessons and the ability to poignantly communicate the struggles and victories common to many as well as the majesty and grandeur of the Savior.
Dorothy is a highly sought-after musical guest and worship leader at conferences, mission trips, retreats, and special events. Dorothy says, "First and foremost I am a woman who is wholeheartedly devoted to Jesus Christ. I serve Him through loving my family, serving the church, and pointing to the only One worthy of all honor and praise." Dorothy has a genuine heart to see worship change the course of lives, churches, and the nations. Dorothy and her husband Rich live in New York and are parents to a grown son named Richie.
My History
A quick note from me to you, the reader
I come from a family of musicians:
- My brother Bobby Rondinelli who is an amazing drummer and arranger.
- My brother Teddy Rondinelli who is an amazing guitar player, singer, and songwriter.
- My father Robert R. Rondinelli was a truly gifted poet, singer, and songwriter.
- My mom could sing too — but her gift was cooking and loving us all well.
My family has been an inspiration for me and I'm forever grateful.
All the songs I write go past my husband Rich; though he is not a musician, he is truly a lover of music and has an incredible ear for great music and what touches the soul. Thank you, honey, for your encouragement, advice, and love over the last 25 years. You inspire me, I love you!
Follow Dorothy's work and all that she has accomplished over the years.
2002
Published song with Kathy Troccoli
Album: The Heart of Me
Song: You’re Still God. Performed at Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle concert with Kathy Troccoli singing the song we composed together. Song on Grammy nominated album "The Heart of Me".
2003
Dominican Republic
Missions trip
Worship director for crusade / conducted choir for missions trip. Estadio de Beisbol — 20,000 believers came to worship all the way from D.R. and Haiti.
2004
Dominican Republic
Second missions trip
Missions trip to the Dominican Republic. Conducted a 40-piece choir in Spanish. Worship director for crusade. Freedom Chapel worship team and Youth Group worship trainer. Recorded on Freedom Chapel CD.
2005
Cuba
Missions trip
Missions trip to Cuba. Lead worship for crusade with Freedom Chapel worship center. Worship team at Freedom Chapel; trained the youth worship team. Worship at Celebrate Teen Challenge weekend PA with Pastor David Wilkerson.
2006
Portugal
Missions trip
Freedom Chapel worship team and youth group training. Recorded on Freedom Chapel CD.
2007
Wrote and directed "We Crown Him King", a 2-hour Christmas play from Genesis to the Birth of Christ; also composed all the songs. Piano/Percussion worship duo "His Remnant" with Delia Gonzalez — concert at Jones Beach band shell and local churches.
2008
Worship team for Freedom Chapel home church. Worship trainer for Grace Church in Babylon. Wrote and directed children’s Christmas play and songs. Music teacher for Babylon Christian School for 1 year. Worship leader for Faith Tabernacle West Babylon NY (weekly Bible study for 1 year).
2009
Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle worship leader for Ancient Paths ministry. Piano teacher.
2010
Ancient Paths ministry
Worship leader
Couple retreats. Women’s retreat Tuscarora, Pennsylvania. Worship at numerous small churches throughout Long Island, NY.
2011
Worship leader for Ancient Paths ministry — couple retreats and women’s retreat in Tuscarora, Pennsylvania.
2012
Worship leader for Ancient Paths ministry — couple retreat and women’s retreat in Tuscarora, Pennsylvania. Hired to write wedding songs. Working on songwriting and in-studio recording. Teaching piano / guitar / songwriting. Trained "THE KEY", a team of 12 young men and women, once a month at my home for 2 years, learning to worship together with their voices and instruments.
2013
Worship leader
Ancient Paths ministry — couple retreat and women’s retreat in Tuscarora, Pennsylvania.
2014
Worship leader for Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle Couples Retreat in Mystic, Connecticut. For one year trained a young worship team in Queens NY (Ingelsis), raised money to purchase musical equipment for these amazing boys and girls.
2015
Ojebwe Tribe Reservation
Missions trip to Minnesota
Facilitated Ancient Paths Seminar (Family Foundations ministry) with my husband on an Indian Reservation. Led worship with Ojebwe tribe leaders. Women’s Christmas Tea at Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle — worship. Women’s Retreats and Couple’s Retreats at Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle NY — worship leader.
2016
Became the Children’s Choir director for Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle "Joyful Singers" — 60–70 kids ages 6–12. They sing for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Missions Convention, and 6 presentations of The Glory of Christmas. Lead worship for Married for Life — facilitated group with my husband in our home for 3 months. Guest speaker / concert at Open Gates ministry in Long Island NY. Writing and recording songs for the children’s choir.
2017
Choir director for Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle
Children’s Choir "Joyful Singers"
Mother’s Day / Father’s Day / Missions Convention / The Glory of Christmas.
Canada Missions Trip
Leading Ancient Paths and Worship
2018
Worship leader for Women’s Retreat Tuscarora, Pennsylvania. Ancient Paths worship leader. Co-founder of "Radiant" Women’s Fellowship (leadership with Veronica Alvero and Megan Pleitez). Monthly fellowship with 20 amazing ladies — worship leader, mentor, friend. Radiant Women’s Fellowship 4-day getaway in East Hampton NY — co-organizer and worship leader.
2019
"Enter & Dwell"
First Radiant Conference
At Christian Community Church, Farmingdale NY — Lead Worship.
"Believe" Book and CD Recordings
My new adventure
I’m in the process of writing my first book "Believe", and at the same time recording 2 new CDs.