A Gift Twice Given
The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray, Rector
How do you thank someone who has saved you not once but twice?
When I arrived here eight years ago, I met an energetic and hopeful musician serving as our interim Director of Music, Randy Romig. He had willingly jumped in to help Holy Innocents with literally no choir. Thanks to his indefatigable spirit and willingness to invite anyone and everyone to sing, he had taken an empty choir loft and filled it with a community that loved to be together. His excitement, love for music, and all-around joie de vivre was infectious. He quite simply gave hope to our community through just being Randy.
Flash forward seven years, and I knew exactly who to call. Sean had submitted his resignation unexpectedly while I was still in Seattle on sabbatical. My first concern was to care for both the choir and our church community. If he was remotely available, I knew Randy was the right man for the job. Of course, we all know that he was able to jump in. Even more, we all know what a gift he has been to both the choir and our church.
While we were in infinitely better shape the second time, the church needed Randy's gifts for both seasons. He is a skilled musician who truly loves leading and sharing faith through music and song. He has done the seemingly impossible by growing the choir as an interim. He just makes everyone feel good and helps to inspire. He is a joy to work with. The staff will miss him as much or more than the choir.
I started with a simple question. I truly do not have an answer. We will celebrate Randy's ministry with us this Sunday after church. Please come and thank him for his hard work. I know I will. We have discovered that Randy does not like sheet cakes. He much prefers any other dessert, so we invite parishioners to bring their favorite dessert to celebrate Randy's gifts to us as a church community. We will take time to chat, laugh, and indulge after worship.
Thank you, Randy, for all your gifts and for being undeniably you!
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