From our Music Director
Dear Friends,
With both a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit, I am announcing my retirement from St. Tim’s – my last Sunday will be August 30th this summer. I first came to this parish with my family in 1975, and now after more than 30 years as your music director, it feels like the right time for this transition.
St. Tim’s has given me a safe and warm place to nurture my soul, kindle my creative spirit, and provide sustenance for my family – I am deeply grateful for my time here, and I treasure the wonderful relationships I’ve experienced with all of you. I am confident that the future is bright with all kinds of God-given wonderful new things to come. Our essential belief in resurrection will be the foundation for this change; the knowledge that there is always new life given will abide, especially in times of change.
I’m currently working with Nikky and Bob Ulrey to plan and implement a transition process. My job description has changed many times over my time here, and your gifts of love, support, and time will be needed to help provide for the coming change.
Nikky, Bob and I are available to talk with anyone who would like to share any thoughts or concerns which might arise in the transition process.
In gratitude and love,
Peter
From our Rector
Dear St. Tim’s Community,
As most of you are aware, Peter has been a pillar of this community – and especially of our common worship life – for many decades. Over the years, he has shepherded the shifts from traditional hymnody to contemporary music to an incredible blending of the two, in a time when many parishes have struggled to navigate a changing liturgical landscape. He has built relationships and fostered the musical talents of many. His ministry has opened opportunities for people with different skills, talents, and preferences to offer their gifts, and for the congregation to join together in sung prayer. Peter has poured his life into St. Tim’s, fostering a community of welcome and lifting our hearts together in harmony. He will be greatly missed.
And, it is with deep gratitude that I offer Christ’s words of “Well done, good and faithful servant!” to Peter as we honor this move into the next chapter of his life and ministry. Over the coming months, we will take time to celebrate together! I hope to hold a music history gathering forum as well as a fun sing-along event with Peter this summer.
Then, we will dream and discern what God is calling forth in this community. As Peter said, we are people of the resurrection, and I firmly believe that the Spirit is already up to something new and life-giving in this transition. We will give ourselves time to both grieve what is ending and listen for what might be next.
Will Watkins has agreed to provide musical continuity as we proceed over the coming months. His role will be to play on Sundays and collaborate with others in music selection, but not to guide the search process. I will be forming a Music Director Search Committee who will work closely with me to create a profile and job description, and to interview candidates at the appropriate time. Peter and I will also be working closely with the Tech Team to identify new leadership and processes during this transition. We have space between now and the end of August to work with Peter to ensure training and documentation are in place, which is a gift in such a significant transition.
Beginning in September, Peter will take a period of time away from St. Tim’s, of at least a year after the hiring of our next Music Director. Much like when clergy leave, lay leaders are expected to separate from a congregation in order to give that community the space to fully process, to call the next person, and to build relationships with a new leader. It is important that our next Music Director be able to fully join us and be received with open arms. And it is important that Peter get to explore and enjoy retirement, and figure out what is life-giving there for himself and his family! Peter, of course, has very deep ties not only to this parish but also to the grounds – and I have assured him that he is always welcome on campus, in the memorial garden especially, outside of times of worship and community gatherings.
I am firmly committed to the ongoing, robust, diverse musical program of St. Tim’s, and will do everything I can to ensure it continues to thrive and grow. As Peter said, if you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
Peace in Christ,
Nikky+