Heard It at Council (December 2016)
December 13, 2016
Grieving and processing the sudden loss of Minister of Music Harry Huff, as well as responding to the national electoral mood, dominated the atmosphere and work of Council at its meeting in December. Moderator Deb Washington opened the session with a prayer, reminding that we rebuke the spirit of withdrawal. Instead we resolve to move forward with the plans of God. We are driven by a divine might which powers us to move forward in the spirit of the Lord, and we will not be guided or swayed by prejudice, pride, intimidation, or fear. We lead by standing up to injustice wherever it may occur. We do not fear the earthly might but rather we endeavor to preach the word of God as we act in its accord.
Music Chair Karen Hand began the discussion of music and the church’s response to Harry Huff’s sudden death with which we are all struggling. Kudos were roundly offered to Tim Harbold who stepped in quickly to help fill a void and take over some of Harry’s obligations. Senior Minister Rev. Nancy Taylor pointed out that Tim understands Harry’s vision and he has a great familiarity with the congregation, as he and his husband, Brad, are active members. Tim was serendipitously available because of his own tenure from his professional obligations at Wheaton College where he is Professor of Music and Choral Director. Obviously, Associate Organist and Choirmaster George Sargeant also has provided continuity and shown great flexibility in taking over additional unexpected duties.
But Harry’s role was huge and some of his activities cannot be recreated. The very position of Minister of Music was essentially created around Harry, evolving with his talents. We may hope and expect that a role may be molded around a new choirmaster as we strive to find a more permanent solution to Harry’s vacancy. In the meantime, Tim has agreed to stay on as the interim choir director for Festival Worship and a motion to that effect was offered, seconded, and approved by Council.
The creation of a committee, a national search, and resources to carry out the process were discussed in generalities; it is simply too early to think specifically about replacing Harry as we work our way through his sudden departure. Associate Minister Rev. John Edgerton pointed out what has become increasingly apparent: Harry’s death has sent shock waves through our community. Our work was very much intertwined with his life and we struggle to overcome his departure.
Christian Service and Outreach Chair Ruth Ricker requested Council to approve the Committee’s recommendation for grants to five local organizations that approached us for assistance. Four of the recipients are well-known to us or longtime friends: common cathedral, City Mission/A Lift Up, Allston Brighton Food Pantry, Smart from the Start, and Casa Myrna/Teen Parenting Program. Council approved the grants. A separate motion also passed which provides two $2,000 awards: the Duane Day Award to Project Hope in Roxbury, and the Robert Christenson Award to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
The Capital Campaign is progressing favorably with 76% of the goal already achieved, 117 people having pledged. Giving has not kept up with pledging over the past month, but expenses have not met expectations either. A better financial picture will develop at the end of the year which is fast-approaching.
The Mary Norton event was hugely successful. The upcoming educational opportunity for members to become acquainted with health care proxies and durable powers of attorney was discussed briefly.
On the communications front, there was great hope that we may be streaming live by Christmas Eve!
In terms of Stewardship, Epiphany will feature – over 12 worship services – disciples of Old South discussing the importance of the church in their lives in lieu of sermons from clergy.
Membership activities in the form of small group gatherings have been rewarding with the goal of providing a pathway for engagement. Associate Minister Rev. Anthony Livolsi asserted that the “infrastructure” is in place to provide for participation and immersion through these groups.
Janet Nolan reported on the Columbarium Task Force’s progress. Congregational response has been extremely positive with the consensus that Old South Church should be a place of repose. The Children’s Chapel is its most likely future home, a sacred place. Further discussions and sessions will take place in the coming months regarding costs, eligibility for interment, and the like.
Attendance at services has spiked since the national election as we also look for ways to move beyond and through this regime change. The GBIO event was extraordinary and Rev. Edgerton was humbled by the warm reception offered to over 2,600 people by the hosting mosque. Boston is a unique place that would welcome such diversity. There is much to be thankful for in the city, Rev. Livolsi reminded us, and we reflect on our gifts received during this season of Advent. He prayed that our work may be an ongoing gift in the name of the God and the Son we esteem.
Robert Gabler, Clerk