September has been a big month of transitions and change throughout our music program. When Susan Shaw and I started in our roles as Interim Co-Directors of Music Ministries, we, with trepidation, thought our theme song would most accurately be described by Roy Zimmerman’s “Hope, Struggle, and Change.” However, as we reflect on our wonderful experiences throughout September and what we are anticipating in October, we think a more appropriate song is Hal Walker’s “Amazing Gratitude” — with train whistles and all. "Amazing Gratitude" by Hal Walker with Margot Micetich.
We are both filled with Amazing Gratitude for the many people who pitched in to organize a memorable Saturday luncheon so that we could give Beth Syverson a warm sendoff. Amazing Gratitude for:
- Sheri Loeschen, who led all our efforts to organize the luncheon for Beth;
- Luncheon-organizing committee members Patrick Bui, Phil Chipman, Steve Morihiro, Barbara Schilling, Susan Shaw, Craig Spery, and Amy Tompkins;
- JoLynn Ibáñez, our intrepid and gracious Master of Ceremonies;
- Rev. Sian Wiltshire, who reminded us of the MANY songs Beth has taught us throughout her tenure at OCUUC;
- Nancy Loughrey, who helped to put Beth’s many contributions at OCUUC over the past 22 years in perspective;
- Judith Stamper, who created the beautiful quilt for Beth;
- Susan Shaw, who invited choir members and musicians to explore their visual arts abilities to create a scrapbook of our favorite songs and music-related puns for Beth;
- Stacy Smith, who wrote a lovely poem of Beth-isms that we’ll always cherish;
- Phil Chipman for his inspiring words about Beth’s impact on the church;
- Tom Loughrey, for creating a heartwarming video of Beth’s life in our church;
- The many people who stood up and thanked Beth for her enormous impact on the church collectively and on so many of us individually.
Amazing Gratitude for the privilege of working closely with Beth for so many years and for being part of the loving community that she nurtured. The many people who spoke during the luncheon expressed how profoundly grateful we all are to Beth, far more eloquently than I could hope to do here.
Amazing Gratitude for Rev. Sian and Wendy Karn for their assistance, patience, and understanding, and for bringing such joy to the process of selecting music for each Sunday!
Amazing Gratitude for our wonderfully talented and kind-hearted choir and other musicians, who have graciously offered their participation, support, encouragement, and feedback to Susan and to me.
Amazing Gratitude for Avery Brown and all the AV volunteers who, each week, share their time and talents to ensure that we have a successful worship service.
Amazing Gratitude for the Director of Music Ministries Search Committee, whose members have all put in tremendous efforts and time to find a long-term DMM who will continue nurturing our church community —Rev. Sian, Wendy, Nancy, Amy, Maureen McConaghy, Barbara Morihiro, and Debra Quam.
Gratitude for the many mistakes that Susan and I have made and will continue to make. We’ve decided that we’re grateful for our mistakes because they help keep us humble!
Susan Shaw and Steve Morihiro, both longtime choir members, are the Co-Directors of Music Ministries.