Dear Fourth Church Family,

I want to share with you that this past Saturday, February 24 my wife, Kara Wagner Sherer, became Bishop Elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, New York. 

This news is still fresh, and there is much for us to figure out. We do know that Kara will be consecrated in July and begin her work as Bishop at that time. We will also be relocating to New York later this year.

This is a time of mixed emotions for me. I am extremely excited for Kara’s new role and ministry — and also profoundly sad at leaving Fourth Presbyterian Church after twenty-eight years as Organist and Director of Music.

I have so much love in my heart and soul for this congregation. It has been a joy and an honor to serve this wonderful church!

Our planning for the months ahead is only just beginning, and so I do not yet know when my last Sunday with you will be, but I look forward to being with you in worship in the coming weeks as we journey through Lent to the joyous celebration of Easter.

With gratitude,

John W. W. Sherer

Organist and Director of Music

jsherer@fourthchurch.org

February 26, 2024

Dear Fourth Church Family,

As we shared in worship yesterday, there is nothing in us that wishes to see John leave Fourth Church. Music is a central element in the way we bear witness to our faith here, and for almost three decades John Sherer has been the heartbeat and the master craftsman of this aspect of our life together.

We also know that this call to serve as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester is one that Kara receives with joy and gratitude and that John celebrates for her. And so, giving thanks to God for the impact John has had on our life together, we send him with our blessings.

We will be looking for times and ways in which to express our thanks to John and to celebrate the rich ministry that he has had in our midst. Watch for details about that.

And please join me in congratulating Kara and expressing deep gratitude to John.

Faithfully,

Tom Are Jr.

Interim Pastor