Sunday, July 9, will be Matthew Glandorf’s last Sunday with us at Good Shepherd. For the past six years, Matt has served Good Shepherd faithfully, journeying with the parish through difficult times and seeing it through to the other side. As I mentioned at the farewell luncheon for Matt on July 2, Matt has played a major part in the revival of Good Shepherd, Rosemont. He has such a rare combination of gifts: musical brilliance, intelligence, and a passion for ministry. These three gifts, among many others, have been a blessing to all of us at Good Shepherd. And because Matt is confident in the gifts God has given him, he is also humble. It has been a great privilege to serve with Matt. As I’ve said before, at the end of Mass when Matt is improvising, I can happily stand at the door of the church with a smile on my face, knowing that great music is at the core of the vitality of this parish’s proclamation of the gospel. I will always be grateful for all Matt has done to strengthen ministry at Good Shepherd.

I’m sorry to miss Matt’s last official Sunday (I’m away on vacation until July 19), but my vacation was planned prior to my learning of Matt’s departure. So, I’m thankful that we could celebrate Matt’s time with us on Sunday, July 2. If you missed that celebration and will be in town on July 9, please send Matt off with your best wishes. And pray for Matt as he moves to Germany on July 10. Let’s give thanks for the gift of music, and especially for six wonderful years with Matt Glandorf on staff. May God bless Matt in his position as he continues to bless others with music.

O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 819)

Yours in Christ,
Father Kyle