St. Andrew’s Church

Annual Report from the Organist

Allison and I are so fortunate to have found our way to this wonderful St. Andrew’s community! We love the parish, the community, and the island. Our welcome has been warm and genuine, and we feel very much at home.

I retired from full-time church work in 2021, and our journey to St. Andrew’s Church happened quickly and seemingly out of left field. So much so that it might be deemed serendipitous or, dare I say, providential. In just two short weeks, we went from my first learning of the opening for an organist at St. Andrew’s, to Allison and me visiting the island for the first time in almost 40 years, to Fr. Chip offering me the position. We quickly accepted Fr. Chip’s invitation and moved to the island in late September with great joy and excitement without looking back.

While I am still brand new in this position, I can report on a few “special” events that have occurred since I began on the first Sunday of October. These include a festive Eucharist on All Saints’ Sunday (Nov 3), a Thanksgiving Day service (Nov 28), the observance of our patronal feast (Dec 1) with violinist Rebecca Laird, an Advent Evensong (Dec 10) with singer Jessica Sanseverino, a Christmas in Edgartown carol-sing (Dec 14) with guest pianist Wes Nagy, and a traditional service of Christmas Lessons and Carols (Dec 29). I enjoyed working with my new island colleagues and look forward to more opportunities to partner with other island musicians as future events are planned.

As I discussed with the rector and wardens at my interview, one of the great strengths of a small parish is that the parish choir is not just a select group of singers; instead, the entire congregation serves as the parish choir. Christianity is a singing faith, and hearty congregational singing is the very soul of Christian worship. Blending the voices of the community as a whole enhances the worship experience for all; each member contributes their voice and fosters a sense of unity and shared devotion. In addition to heightening a spiritual connection, the congregational “choir” reinforces each member’s sense of belonging, where every voice is valued in creating a harmonious and uplifting offering to God. There is no expectation of a highly-refined musical offering in this context – just each person joining in making a joyful noise. As Saint Augustine said, “Those who sing pray twice.” I have been delighted to find that this congregation sings!

I am deeply grateful to Fr. Chip, Heather Anne Slayton, and Sara Barrington for welcoming me to the staff; kinder and more helpful colleagues cannot be found anywhere. I look forward to working alongside them and engaging in a fruitful ministry in this enchanting place.

Robert Lehman

Organist