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May 20, 2019
Dear Saints,
As we have sought out a priest in the Episcopal Church with the requisite gifts and experience to lead worship and adult formation, especially as we prepare to innovate new forms of worship on Sunday evenings at All Saints', it was clear that the field of clergy who had such a specialist set of skills would be small. We really wanted to find someone who had a proven track record of succeeding in blending tradition with innovation in a setting like ours which requires a consistent level of excellence.
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I am delighted to share here that we have found such a priest, the Rev. Dr. Andy Barnett, who has led a transformational development in the worship life of Washington National Cathedral at their 9:00am Sunday service. Some of you will have enjoyed hearing Andy preach and play the piano when the ensemble he founded at Yale, Theodicy Jazz Collective, led worship and a Jazz Mass earlier this year, and will know from that experience the special gifts that Andy brings to his ministry as a priest. Successful ministry on staff at the National Cathedral with the level of intensity that state and other occasions can bring there, is preparation to thrive and succeed anywhere, and with his previous experience at All Saints, Beverly Hills, and two Episcopal schools in Los Angeles and New York, Andy will bring to us a combination of organizational savvy and a deep and wide appreciation for church worship and music. Through his doctoral studies and years of ministry in adult formation of various sorts, Andy will shepherd the expansion of our adult formation opportunities alongside a talented and committed core of lay leaders on this block. Andy's contribution to that work also offers leadership of formational experiences across the global church and a focus on environmental issues including work he researched and wrote for the Presidential Climate Action Project.
In Andy's own words,
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"Greetings from Washington National Cathedral! I have so enjoyed my time here, where I have been formed in the full breadth of Anglican worship traditions. It has been a joy to pray the Rite I liturgies, sing evensong, preach and preside at our choral Eucharist, and partner with our whole community to reimagine worship and global song at our 9:00 Sunday Eucharist. I have formed lasting bonds with our choristers and their families, and I have witnessed the power of music to cultivate community, faithfulness, and joy in our young people. Pastoral care here has been another source of deep connection with our congregation, especially with our young adult groups. Prior to my time here, I was a teacher and outdoor educator, and I love leading retreats and service trips. I have been especially inspired by the music and cultures of South Africa, Cuba, and Mexico.
As I prepare to join your team, I am honored and thrilled. I'm excited to work with your staff and clergy as we serve among you. It was a joy to work with Kirk and Giles during Theodicy Jazz Collective's visit in March, and I can't wait to be with Karol and the younger musicians. I look forward to hearing what songs, prayers, and worship experiences have transformed you in your walk with Christ. I know we've just spent one Sunday together, but I was taken with your sense of hospitality and faithfulness to God's work in Atlanta. I would ask your prayers for good closure here and for a healthy transition. Rest assured that you are in my daily prayers as well."
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Andy will be with us at All Saints' in late September, with his first Sunday being September 29th.
Please do join me in praying for Andy as he says a fond farewell to Washington and prepares himself to offer his gifts among the saints in Midtown. We give thanks to God that he has answered the call to serve in this place and time, and we look forward with him and with our whole staff team to a bright and vibrant many years ahead
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Peace,
The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring
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634 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
telephone 404-881-0835, facsimile 404-881-3796
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