Many of you have been deeply distressed by the events of the past week, as have I. We all must search our hearts to discern God’s will for us, and this will not be the same for all. You should know that I have tendered my resignation as Organist-Choirmaster of the Church of the Good Shepherd, but at the same time I have given my commitment to Bp. Moyer to serve in the equivalent position with the Bl. John Henry Newman Fellowship. This is the name that has been adopted by those of us who have chosen to remain loyal to our beloved pastor and to the godly faith and principles for which he stands, and to continue with him in the breaking of bread and the prayers with the intention of forming a congregation under the auspices of the Personal Ordinariate.
I have been assured that the musical traditions of Good Shepherd will be continued in the Fellowship and the future Ordinariate parish. We have the means and the resources to do so, including the retention of our valuable choir section leaders. It is my hope and prayer that all of you will wish to continue in the choir under these changed circumstances. I most emphatically believe that this is the path the Lord is calling me to follow, but I recognize that this may not be true for everyone. I pray that the Lord will grace each of us with patience, forbearance, and charity towards those whose choices are different from our own.
The annual choir picnic is scheduled for Thursday, September 8 at the home of Bennett and Pedie Hill. I believe that it is vitally important that this event go forward. Whatever our personal choices, this should be a time for fellowship, enjoyment, and encouragement as we all face a future that in so many respects is very uncertain. I sincerely hope that all of you will attend and help to make this choir picnic the best ever.