Discernment rarely happens in a straight line, at least it rarely does for me. Periods of discernment require patience and can be confusing. Looking back upon the paths after reaching the “destination,” one would probably see winding, circuitous routes through unexpected places. This time of transition in our music ministry has been such a time for me.
Shortly after Easter, nearly six months ago, our former Organist & Choirmaster Matthew Glandorf told me that he had accepted a church position in Germany. After the initial surprise and then sense of sadness at seeing Matt go (as well as genuine happiness for him), I immediately set to work devising a plan for how to proceed through the coming months. As you might know, I am action-oriented and strive for efficiency, and yet this is not always how God works in our lives! With the approval of the parish vestry, we called Jack Burnam to be our Interim Organist & Choirmaster to see us through the end of the calendar year. Jack has been such a gift to us. He has already done so much in his brief time at Good Shepherd, and our new program year is off to a great start under his leadership. Back in April, I knew that we needed the gift of time to undergo proper discernment of whom God would send us as our next Director of Music.
A music advisory committee was formed to assist me in reviewing application of candidates for the position. A great deal of time was spent crafting a position description and envisioning how the parish should support a new Director of Music. Applications were received from a number of candidates, and they were carefully reviewed. Then, we invited two of the most promising candidates to audition and interview in person.
But meanwhile, God was guiding our whole process, which meant that we should have been prepared for some surprises. As much as I, the vestry, and music advisory committee could plan, we were also praying. And I believe that by setting a foundation of prayer, the task of discernment involves paying attention to what’s occurring in everyday life. What was occurring was that God seemed to be inviting us to consider my husband Robert as a candidate for this position. I should say that shortly after Matt’s departure was announced, several parishioners (including vestry members) asked whether this might be possible. I readily dismissed those suggestions, thinking about a possible conflict of interest and other practical matters. But over the ensuing weeks, God seemed to continue to bring the possibility before me and Robert, and then, ultimately, before the vestry and music advisory committee. There were, of course, many practical details to work out, but I realized that I needed to be open enough in the process of discernment to consider something that I had initially dismissed. I spoke with the vestry and music advisory committee, with our bishop (who offered his complete support), and with my spiritual director. Seeing no immediate objections, we decided to entertain the possibility of Robert becoming a candidate for the position.
At this point in the process, I agreed to step back from it so that some objectivity could be possible. Anne Hallmark, a member of the advisory committee, agreed to assume a leadership role. I’m grateful to her for leading the remainder of the search process with such grace and aplomb. Robert auditioned and interviewed like the other two candidates who interviewed in person, and the committee unanimously recommended to the vestry that Robert be called as our next Organist & Director of Music.
I realize that I am in a somewhat biased position, but I also believe that the music advisory committee and vestry have called the right person to this position. Robert has done tremendous work in his current position at Saint Mark’s Church, Locust Street, in Philadelphia, one of our sister Anglo-Catholic parishes in the diocese. This included expanding an already strong music ministry, working with a parish choir of staff singers and auditioned volunteers, and nearly doubling the number of child choristers. The expansion of that chorister program has been an engine of growth for Saint Mark’s, to which I can testify from my time there as an assistant rector overseeing children and family ministries.
Prior to serving at Saint Mark’s, Robert served as Director of Music at two other Anglo-Catholic parishes: The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, New York City, and St. Paul’s Church, K Street, in Washington, DC. There he built excellent programs and ministries as well. Robert is an exceptional organist and well-known for his ability in improvisation. Above all, he brings a commitment to the Gospel as expressed in the Anglo-Catholic tradition and always seeks to foster a spirit of community within the choral programs that he directs. So, Robert brings ideal experience to his future work at Good Shepherd.
In our previous experience working together at Saint Mark’s, Robert and I found it to be a wonderful time of mutual ministry. We intend to continue that at Good Shepherd. I believe this is a moment of great excitement for this parish. We are looking towards possibilities that will expand our parish choir to include capable volunteers and also begin to build a chorister program, within the reasonable limits of a 25-hour a week position. I am hopeful that this will lead to growth in our children’s ministry. Additionally, Robert is excited about integrating some of his work with our retreat house, and indeed, this is the second year that he is leading a retreat on hymn-playing and liturgical improvisation.
I am most grateful to the parish vestry (Don McCown, Ellen Charry, Sarah Austen, Jenny Dee, and Brett Hart) for their support in this entire music transition period, as well as that of the music advisory committee (Anne Hallmark, John Burrows, Mitos Hart, Sarah Austen, Don McCown, and Ellen Charry). One of the most remarkable things about Good Shepherd, Rosemont, is its sheer openness to being bold for the sake of ministry, and the discernment during this music transition has been no exception. This willingness to be open to new possibilities has allowed us, I believe, to respond faithfully to the Holy Spirit’s surprising direction in the past few months.
Robert’s first Sunday with us will be on January 14, 2024. In the meantime, I am sincerely grateful for all that Jack Burnam is doing to lead us confidently through the next few months. Let’s pray for Saint Mark’s Church as it navigates its own time of transition, and please pray for Good Shepherd as we continue to strive to respond courageously to God’s call.
Yours in Christ,
Father Kyle