Dear People of St. James’,
It is time to let you know that Sharon Coleman, our pianist at the 10:30 am service, will be re-retiring (yes, for the second time!) from the piano bench on June 8, The Day of Pentecost.
Sharon Coleman came to St. James’ as a “short-term sub” back in the 90s when The Rev. Bill Miller was the rector, and she has been shaping St. James’ liturgy and music life since that time nearly 30 years ago. This is her second go at retirement from the bench because of her dedication to seeing St. James’ through some tumultuous times: times when we couldn’t pay, times when other music ministry calls were cut short, Covid church times and the rebuilding of music programs post-Covid. In all of these times, Sharon has cared for our choir and for the people of St. James’, which is her church home. She has brought both a balance of love for tradition and a delight in new things, as well as a tremendous artistry to her work. She has taught and mentored countless singers and other musicians (and I would add, clergy!). We are grateful.
When I asked Sharon what I should be sure to say in this letter, she instructed me to make sure you knew that “this is not goodbye. Austin and St. James’ are still home.” Sharon will continue working with the seminarians at the Seminary of the Southwest chapel, and she will still be bringing music to our Sundays at the Trinity Center. She also wanted to let you know, “I am so grateful St. James’ welcomed me.” She told me about how on that first day at St. James’ back in the 90s, she came in as a substitute pianist at Fr. Miller’s request, and at the start of the service, she heard this “groundswell of singing from the congregation on the processional.” In that moment, she knew, “Ah, this is a singing congregation!” – a thing her heart had longed for for many years – and she had a sense that this was “home.” We will continue to be that embracing, loving, SINGING congregation, and our music ministry continues on in good hands with Rick Gabrillo, Kent Burress, Austin Kimble, our singers in the choir, and our singers in the pews.
On June 8, Pentecost, we will combine the 10:30 am and 5 pm services at the 10:30 am time, and as Sharon has insisted, we will faithfully observe the great Feast of Pentecost! Wear your red! Bring foods from your cultural background for the reception from 12-1 pm. Get ready to welcome those who are to be baptized and hear the Word of God in the language of your heart. Be ready for the Spirit to get unruly like the Spirit does. And, we will honor Sharon on that day, because it is meet and right so to do.
So, please mark your calendars for June 8. If you are a 5 pm person, don’t come at 5 pm because you will be disappointed, we will not be there – join us in the morning! And in the meantime, keep singing!
Rev. Eileen
