director of music
Transition Announcement
Dear First Church,
In the last Psalm, the Psalmist tells us to praise God with whatever we have- trumpets, harp, dancing, strings, pipe- that everything that has breath would praise God.
Carol Young, our Executive Director of Music, has done just that. We are grateful that for many years she has led us in praising God with wonderful voices and instruments. This summer, Carol is retiring! Gladly, she will continue to praise God with us- just from a different seat.
A word from Carol:
I am so grateful for the 30 years I have been a part of the music program at First United Methodist. I began as the hired alto soloist in the quartet, but FUMC quickly became my church home because of its wonderful clergy and membership. I am uplifted by the commitment to community outreach and justice as taught through the teachings of Jesus in the bible. As I retire from the Music Director position, I will rejoin my alto sisters in the choir loft to rejoice and sing praises to God!
Carol’s retirement presented us with the opportunity to examine our staffing structure. The Staff Parish Relations Committee is revising this area, consolidating the ¼ time Executive Director of Music and Chancel Choir Director roles into one part-time Director of Music position.
We are thrilled to share that our own Chancel Choir Director, Allison Cottrell, will assume the responsibilities of the Director of Music. Allison’s gifts are uniquely suited to carry forward the vision of the music program in collaboration with our music staff and volunteers. This role will build upon the excellence with which she carries out her role directing the Chancel Choir.
A word from Allison:
I am very excited to expand my role in the musical life of FUMC and am looking forward to supporting all the ways we make music here. Carol has done amazing work for our music program and I am thankful for her steadfast positivity, kindness and love of this musical community.
SPRC is excited to live into this revised staffing structure. We find it the most appropriate for this season and believe it will empower our music staff and volunteers to increased focus and connection with one another.
We know that you will want to find appropriate ways to celebrate and support both Carol and Allison. Carol’s last staff day is July 12, after which we will greet her as an all-star volunteer.
We hope you’ll join us in praying for Carol, Allison, and our music life at First Church throughout this transition and in the months to come!
In joy and gratitude,
Jessica Kimmet, SPRC Chair
Rev. Karyn Richards-Kuan, Senior Pastor
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