Dear friends,
This week, I write to you as our parish announces the departure of out Interim Organist and Director of Music, Brian Locke. Although I write with sadness for his departure, I certainly write with profound thanksgiving for Brian’s work, service, and ministry among us.
Brian Locke
Following Buffy Gray’s retirement at Epiphany, Brian stepped in literally the day afterwards, and began what has clearly been a remarkable, musically and spiritually enriching interim period for our community. Brian dove in headfirst and has served faithfully as our interim musician, guiding our choir and choristers, offering his musical talents on the organ, and sharing in joyful music which has fervently enriched our worship. His work has certainly made my life a lot easier. Though, more importantly, his gifts have inspired our community, and indeed while we have discerned a longer term plan for our music ministry at St. John’s.
While I hoped that Brian would remain with us for a longer time, with a range of new musical commitments on the horizon elsewhere he has decided to move on at the end of our originally planned interim period. His last Sunday with us will therefore be June 29. During coffee hour that day, following the 10 a.m. Eucharist, please be sure to congratulate Brian on his time with us, and indeed his upcoming musical adventures. And there will be further and multiple opportunities to give thanks to and for Brian in the coming days and weeks.
With every prayer thanksgiving,
Fr. Ed.
The Rev. Edward Thornley
Rector of The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist