Dean’s Column | June 2021

Dear Friends, 

I have long been a fan of the late USC philosophy professor, Dallas Willard. His insights were profound and his demeanor  disarming and engaging. Few insights seem as prescient as his argument that we must “ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives.” To be clear, Willard wasn’t arguing that our pace of life was a physical problem, he simply claimed that we cannot expect to reflect and grow unless we slow down.

This seems to particularly apply to those of us who delight in discovering, mastering and creating music. Creativity needs that space to germinate and grow.  Perhaps for you, the month of June signals  an opportunity to push the reset button. Our mindset changes with the weather and we are able to do things we have looked forward to all year…. maybe that means getting away, spending more time outdoors, or even learning new organ literature at a less frenetic pace.

Whatever “summer” brings for you this month, I trust as the world around us begins to open up, that you take the time to “ruthlessly eliminate hurry”. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you discover not only for yourself, but to share with the rest of us.

Warmly,
Judy Kohl, Dean

Past Overtones

Dean’s Column | December 2024

You’ve likely seen the roaring return of the organ at Notre Dame and the crowd of world leaders gathered to witness this monumental milestone. I think we would all be lucky to have such attentive and captivated congregations as we work through this busiest time of the...

Dean’s Column | October 2024

Thank you to everyone who attended the first event of our 2024-2025 season in Kenilworth.  We installed our newly elected officers and enjoyed being together for Evensong.  Thanks especially to our organist Dr. Eun Joo Ju, Rev. Dr. Bill Evertsberg, and those...

Dean’s Column | June 2024

A very hearty welcome to June 2024! So here is another month of the year that features more graduation exercises, Father’s Day, Midsommer Fests, summer usually begins, holiday travels begin, end of year choir season concerts/special services, choir appreciation...