Crossing the threshold of a new year often brings about changes in our lives and in the world around us. I want you to know about some changes occurring in the Music Ministry here at ERUUF:
Pianist
This past summer, we learned that our quarter-time pianist, Kate Lewis, would be undergoing carpal tunnel surgery on one of her hands. Now that she has undergone surgery, Kate has learned that the expected recovery period for her hand is 13 months. In addition, she has let us know that, for personal reasons, she cannot guarantee she will be able to return to work with us as needed.
In light of this unexpected news, we have decided to hire a new part-time pianist to meet the increasing demands of our Music Ministry. If available, Kate will be welcomed at ERUUF as a substitute pianist for our worship services and special events.
Although Kate has requested no farewell tributes, I hope you will join me in expressing our collective appreciation for her work with the ERUUF community. Please feel free to leave cards or notes addressed to her in the ERUUF Office, in Music Director Wendy Looker's mailbox.
Beloved Community Chorus (BCC)
Nearly 10 years ago as ERUUF’s student minister, working with Rev. Deborah Cayer, I founded the Beloved Community Chorus. It was initially formed as a lay-led group with a mission to present music that would embody our aspiration to become a multicultural and multiracial congregation. Of being Beloved Community.
The chorus would perform music typically sung in the oral tradition by people of color and could participate in justice-centered events at ERUUF and, when requested, at other events in our geographic region. This vision quickly took hold: LeLaina Romero first served as BCC’s volunteer chorus director for what was then a multiracial group, and later took a paid part-time role leading the chorus. When LeLaina moved away during the pandemic, and we hired Wendy Looker as Music Director, Wendy’s portfolio included leading both the Eno River Singers and the Beloved Community Chorus.
Though BCC has produced strong music over the years, in recent years original members have departed and newer members have joined the group. Unfortunately, many new members were unaware of the choir's mission, which has affected everyone's overall understanding of why and how BCC's music was intended to serve the congregation.
After much reflection and discussion, both within and beyond ERUUF, I have decided to place BCC on indefinite hiatus as we "press pause" to reflect upon the group's past and the best way forward. Though this has been a difficult decision for me and for those who have participated in the group's communal music-making, I feel certain it is rooted with integrity to the strategic racial equity and inclusion work we have been committed to as a congregation for over a decade.
And, the work of BCC members in bringing music to ERUUF both now and in the past has been no small thing. I am grateful for their steadfast commitment to lifting their voices in song both here at ERUUF and in the larger community.
With support from Music Director Wendy Looker and the Music Ministry Team, members of BCC who wish to do so have been encouraged to continue singing as a newly formed, lay-led group through a process established by the Music Ministry Team. They would have a new name and mission, which they will determine. I am happy to report that several people have begun that process.
Please join me in cheering on the possibility of a new singing group and in reflecting on what the evolution of the Beloved Community Chorus might teach us about what it takes to live into our collective aspirations.
With love and courage,
Ubuntu
I am because you are. You are because I am.
Rev. Jacqueline Brett
Lead Minister
