a word from robin

December 2007

At the annual meeting of Mayflower Church, the congregation voted to move forward with a major project to expand the pipe organ, and make appropriate modifications to the chancel area of the sanctuary to expand the choir loft. The total cost is estimated to be $500,000, of which $200,000 will come from a matching grant provided by the Rapp Foundation. No church operating funds will be used to complete the project.

As you might imagine, there is both excitement and dissent over this project, and as it turns out, both groups have the best interests of the church in mind. The Music Board is dreaming of a vastly improved pipe organ and a larger, more comfortable, more functional choir loft. Those who object do so for several reasons. 1) The money could be better spent on other priorities. 2) The current instrument is adequate. 3) This will pull money from other important obligations (like the outstanding mortgage on the new Christian Education wing-- currently approximately $135,000).

Let me tell you why, as your pastor, I support the project, even though I did not initiate it. Mayflower works on a lay-driven model of church governance. When any group within the church has a dream, and a plan for making it a reality, that dream is brought before the congregation in the form of a proposal. The final decision rests with the congregation at each step along the way.

Because I knew that not everyone would support this project, my first concerns were: 1) Would the majority of the congregation support the proposal? 2) Would church funds already committed be required to complete the project? 3) Would the simple elegance of our New England sanctuary be preserved in the redesign of the chancel area?

The answer to the first question came at the annual meeting, with a majority of the congregation voting to move forward. The answer to the second question came when the Board of Trustees passed a resolution forbidding use of any church funds for the project. They did this not to make any statement about the project (indeed many trustees support the project), but rather to establish the financial ground rules, and protect the assets of the church. In this regard, they did exactly what trustees are supposed to do--make financial decisions they believe are in the best interest of the whole church.

The answer to the third question is not yet available, because as yet, we have no architectural renderings of the chancel redesign. When we have them, I trust that the changes will be in keeping with the look of the sanctuary, and that the entire church will be given the opportunity to see them, and vote on them at a special meeting before moving forward. Indeed, I will insist on this. The object is to improve and expand the choir loft, and this can be done while preserving the beauty of the chancel area.

To those who object, I can honestly say that your concerns are valid and that your voices are heard. One of the things I've learned about church life is that unanimity of opinion (especially when it comes to music) is not only never to be achieved, but is not even to be desired. We work on a consensus model at Mayflower, and with a high regard for the specific dreams of groups within the church (whether they are building a Columbarium, a School for the Deaf in Nicaragua, or a new pipe organ). The choir is growing, and has never sounded better. A new pipe organ and larger choir loft will enhance the classical musical tradition at Mayflower, make it possible to attract more choir members, and to host organ recitals. When the work is finished, we can expect the music program to be part of what draws even more people to Mayflower, and inspires them to contribute to ALL the work we do.

If you love organ music, you will love the new instrument. If you don't, it won't matter! Richard Jobe will continue to mix elements of organ, piano, and other musical elements in worship--that will not change. I am not a musician, nor is it my particular passion. But I will take a vicarious pleasure in watching this group work to realize their dream, and I look forward to hearing the talent of Richard Jobe displayed on a musical instrument that dedicated members of the choir and the church have made possible.

In the meantime, remember how important our unity is, and continue your amazing support of Mayflower church.

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