To the parishioners of St. Michael's Episcopal Church,

 

A few days ago I submitted my resignation to Fr. Jesse Perkins.  I leave this church with sadness but also with many warm memories of worshipping the Lord with you, and of your friendship.  My last Sunday will be on December 26.

 

Many, many times when I have finished the introduction to the processional hymn, I have heard your joyful devotion as you began singing the first verse. This is rewarding because it tells me that the Spirit is truly present and that we are expressing our faith through music.  In quieter moments, I have felt the intensity of Good Friday through "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded," the respect for the Eucharist through "Let Us Break Bread Together,"  the powerful assertion of the Resurrection through "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today,' and the tranquility of the Nativity through "Silent Night, Holy Night."  

I have always been grateful to be able to make music on such a fine pipe organ, or on any of the church's three grand pianos.  It is especially rewarding to have been working in a church which shows it values musical expression by taking such good care of its instruments.

Your choir is a dedicated group of musical parishioners who give of their time and talents for the common good.  They are open to being challenged, as when they learned a difficult, modern piece "O Sacrum Convivivum" and sailed through it on a Sunday morning.   Another piece they conquered was "The Lamb,' for Christmas Eve, and through its tangled harmonies they expressed the wonder of Christmas Eve.  I am deeply grateful to have worked with them and I urge you to express your thanks too.

Thank you for all your kindness to me over the last seven and a half years.  I send you all my best wishes for the New Year.  My God bless the parish of St. Michael's Episcopal Church.

 

 

A purse is being collected for Mark, as is tradition at St. Michael's, and you can donate by going to www.stmichaelsbarrington.org/give, or by writing a check to St. Michael's with Mark's name in the memo line.