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After a couple of “fits and starts” I got into the rhythm of gardening this summer.  It reminded me again of why Benedict made manual labor, gardening in particular, such a part of his spiritual rule.  If you will permit me using the metaphor of gardening, we have some exciting things to say about the programs and ministry of music at St. Thomas’s.
 
For more than three years the elected leadership of this parish has actively tilled the earth, planted seeds, pulled weeds and reconfigured the garden, so to speak.  In all things, leaders have worked to be open to and discerning of the Holy Spirit’s leadership as we continue to live into the vibrant, radically-welcoming, growing faith community we are called to be.
 
The fruit of so much labor began to appear this summer.  In August the vestry approved a budget sufficient to guarantee the founding and operation of a Choir School.  In September David Jernigan will be working closely with Liz Godwin, a teacher of elementary music education.   They will spend the fall semester building curriculum and readying the school to admit students to a Pilot Program starting in January, 2011.  The Choir School will be based on the curriculum offered by The Royal School of Music, America,  its “Voices for Life” program, and will operate as an after-school program Monday thru Friday, 3:00 – 5:30 PM.
 
The school will emphasize choral singing and basic musicianship, and the round of services at St. Thomas’s will provide opportunities to perform.  Complementing the music program, culturally enriching activities are also envisioned.  These will be offered according to the needs of students.  A full academic year for the school will begin in September 2011.   
 
Our wardens, along with David Jernigan, have worked tirelessly to produce a four-year business plan for the Choir School.  Pat Sabosik and Marj Robison will be available during Coffee Hour this Sunday, and at other mutually agreeable times, for those who have questions or interest in reviewing the four year business plan.  In the weeks to come you will receive Choir School information in greater detail.
 
The Wardens, Vestry and Staff join me in making this exciting announcement.  
Fr. Ray+