From the Interim Rector - 10/8
I have often spoken about how nimble Epiphany is. That is exactly the word I use. Nimble. After nearly 40 years in parish ministry, I don’t think I have ever encountered a parish that accepted change, and repeated change at that, with such grace, confidence, and a demonstrated commitment to the future God has set before them. I have any number of books in my library and have attended many seminars and workshops on leading change in an organization. Epiphany has weathered more change in the last three years than most parishes see in a generation, or more. You are indeed nimble and able to literally turn on a dime as the old saying goes and move in a new direction. I’m sure you are seeing where this is leading. There is another change coming.
Earlier in the week, Jeremy Jelinek, our Interim Organist and Choir Director, asked to speak with me. As many of you know, Jeremy is completing his master’s degree at The Julliard School. This is his second and final year. As we can well imagine, it will be a pressure-packed year for Jeremy. Adding to this very full final year of his master’s program, there is his work and ministry here – not just from Sunday to Sunday, but after the first of the year, moving into our new facility and planning for the many ways in which we hope to celebrate that major turning point in our parish’s life throughout 2022. Epiphany’s excellent music program will be integral to many of those celebrations. After prayerful consideration Jeremy believes it would be best for Epiphany and for him if he relinquishes his position here so he can give his full attention to his final year of study and so that Epiphany will have the ability to have a musician with not only the skills to help the parish rebuild its music ministry as we, eventually, come out of Covid, but to reintroduce Epiphany to our community and our city as we begin the next phase of our life, mission and ministry. Both things, incidentally, I have every confidence Jeremy would do exceptionally well. If not for the demands of his final year at Juilliard.
It goes without saying that we will miss Jeremy and the tremendous music he has offered us over these last months. Without a doubt the abundant gifts, talent, and spiritual devotion he brings to his ministry has blessed all of us. We wish him every continued success and blessing as he completes his degree and prepares for what is sure to be a remarkable career.
Jeremy will continue with us through October 24th when Bishop Glasspool makes her Episcopal visitation. I, and others, are reaching out to those in the organ community to identify possible supply organists that can be with us as we seek a new Interim Organist. As for the choir, our Section Leaders will continue with us, but we will postpone inviting the full choir back until we have better clarity on how best to manage this transition. Jeremy has given me permission to share a part of his letter to the Choir that he sent out earlier this week which I thought you would like to read.
I hope you will take a moment and let Jeremy know how his ministry at Epiphany has blessed you. And, to wish him only the very best as he completes his degree and begins his professional career in earnest. Jeremy’s email is jelinek@epiphanynyc.org
Faithfully yours,
Roy+
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