Dear saints,
I am thrilled to be able to announce that Emily Halbert will be joining our staff as the new Director of Children and Youth Music next month. For the past several weeks, parishioner Meg Fogel led a wonderful search committee of fellow parishioners as we discerned together the shape of children and youth music in this place. I began with a meeting with about 20 or so parents so I could hear their views. The committee followed up with another parent gathering later in the process. We heard two core messages.
First, a deep sense of gratitude for all that All Saints' has been gifted with over the past quarter of a century through Karol Kimmell's remarkable leadership here. It is clear that the music ministries she has led have been pivotal in drawing families to All Saints' and keeping them here. Community has been built, faith formed and relationships deepened. What a treasure that has been.
Second, we now wish to build on this strong and abiding foundation. There are very few churches that have full-time positions for a music educator. We were looking for a gifted choral director for all sorts of children with a wide array of music abilities and backgrounds. We also looked for someone who would be able to nurture the faith formation of our children and youth as part of our talented formation team of Kathy, Luke and Jenny.
I believe that Emily was exactly who God intended for us to find in our search. She brings to us wonderful gifts as a teacher and musician, with seven years of full-time teaching experience in schools and additionally in the church. We envision growing opportunities for music-making here for our parish's children and youth as well as opening ourselves up to the wider community. Music brings people together and when we join our voices it can be transformational to hear how the sound of that togetherness becomes something new. There is an exciting chapter of growth ahead of us.
Emily will join the staff on May 12, which gives her time to work with Karol as we embark on a smooth transition of leadership. Just a few days later on May 20, Emily will be joined by Scott Lamlein, our incoming Director of Music. I am delighted that they will essentially begin their service at All Saints' at the same time. It will be a tremendous gift to this church to see adult, youth and children's music work together as one.
In the midst of all these new beginnings will be a fond and poignant farewell. More to come from me on that front. For now, please do save the date for a farewell for Karol Kimmell on Sunday, May 19 following the 9:00 a.m. service.
There is a time for everything and the saints keep marchin' on!
Peace,
