First Baptist family:
When Vivian Hamilton retired last year as our Minister of Music, many of you asked whether we could hire a full-time Music Minister. In the past, when our Music Minister was full-time, that role also included leading Children’s and Youth Choirs. At the time of Vivian’s retirement, Amy Joye, our Music Associate, was already serving in that area, and we were uncertain whether we could find someone who could lead both the Sanctuary Choir and Children’s and Youth Choirs.
Now, with the arrival of our new Music Minister, Laura Ritter, who brings strong gifts and extensive experience in children’s music, the Personnel Committee and I decided to increase the hours for the Music Minister position to 30 hours a week. This would allow Laura to take on the leadership of music for all ages and move this position toward full-time. Taking this step required an adjustment to the hours and responsibilities for the Music Associate role, affecting its scope and salary.
After revising the role, we had a conversation with Amy about the changes and invited her to remain on staff and serve as the Children’s and Youth Choir director. After thoughtful consideration, Amy has indicated that this new role would not best fit her needs.
We are deeply grateful to Amy for her faithful service as Music Associate over the past several years. Her leadership and love for our children and youth have been a blessing to our church family. In her resignation, Amy wrote:
“Following much prayer, counsel and careful consideration, I am unable to accept the terms of the revised staff role. It has truly been one of the greatest joys of my ministry to work with our children and youth to help nurture their love for music and worship. Watching them grow in confidence, faith and musical ability has been a privilege I will always cherish. I will miss their energy, curiosity and the beautiful ways they express their spirituality through music. Serving alongside all the ministers at FBG and ministering with these children and youth has been an honor that has shaped me in countless ways, and I will carry those memories with me for a lifetime.”
—Amy Joye
We will have the opportunity to express our gratitude to Amy on Sunday, June 15, at the close of worship. Please join us in thanking Amy for all she has done and praying for her in whatever comes next.
Thank you,
—Carol McEntyre, Senior Minister & Tony McDade, Chair, Personnel Committee