A month ago, on a Tuesday evening, four ORUUC music leaders were pulled into a room for an emergency meeting. We were told that our Music Director (and my mentor - see earlier blog posts) had been fired and that we were now tasked with carrying out the music program for the near future. We started by processing the overwhelming emotions that come with such an unexpected loss, then moved into practical decision-making about upcoming music events and services.
It was Tuesday. Our service that Sunday would be the first one in our new location. The choir was scheduled to sing to mark the occasion. The newly formed "Music Team" made our first decision - to let the choir decide whether they still wanted to sing on the opening Sunday -- and if they decided to sing, I would direct them. So, as I acknowledged my hurt, anger, and fear, I stood in the mirror figuring out how to conduct pieces for Sunday, in case the choir wanted to sing. On Wednesday night, the choir heard the news of Wendel's departure. Then, they rose to the deeper purpose of serving our congregation through song. And there I stood, with less than 24 hours to practice and deal with my own emotions, leading my first choir rehearsal.
My emotional state that first week can best be described as a "roller coaster". On one hand, I was experiencing the significant loss of my friend and mentor. As part of the terms of his dismissal, congregation members had been asked not to reach out to Wendel for two years, So, the person who I had been leaning on most for support, the person who sparked this musical passion inside me, the person who I consider a significant catalyst to my calling... was just gone. And that was overwhelmingly painful. On the other hand, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to make sure that ORUUC's music program continued to serve our congregation with excellent and eclectic music. I renewed my determination to live out my calling by supporting our church community through musical leadership.
Before I knew it, I was enveloped by love and support from so many people. The choir, who from the beginning has cheered me on through my less-than-perfect conducting patterns. The music team, who put their trust in me to lead the choir and take charge of many aspects of the music program. My friends near and far, who have listened to me vent as well as celebrate. My newest Music Director mentors, who seemed to come out from everywhere when I needed an ear. My family, who have supported my seemingly endless hours of time at church. Musicians and members at ORUUC, who offer their assistance and praise in so many ways. It was being held in this light that carried me through such a difficult first few weeks.
Reflecting back, I take great pride in all our music program has been able to accomplish in this past month...
We opened a new building, moving music files and equipment, serenading a parade of members walking from our old location to our new one, and - of course - providing music for our opening Sunday.
Followed quickly by our "Week of Music" events - four nights of music leading up to our building dedication. So many ORUUC musicians participated in this celebration -- and we had great attendance from our congregation and the wider community. Our choir and house band really stepped it up, performing Thursday evening as well as both Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon on the day of our building dedication. It was a very busy week for all of us. Again, our musicians rose to their call to lend their talents in service to the congregation and community.
Surviving those first few weeks, through the building dedication on October 19th, was the Music Team's initial goal on that first night we met. So, to wake up on October 20th was a feeling of accomplishment. But, it's far from over. After all, every Sunday there is another service.
For now, I am honored to be the Temporary Music Director for ORUUC, working with the Music Team to ensure our music program successfully supports the spiritual growth of our congregation. Through December 31st, I am living out my calling. It is every bit as challenging and every bit as rewarding as I suspected it would be.
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