Posts by Will Green
Interim Director of Music Ministries Announcement
Welcoming our new Interim Director of Music Ministries, Leona Lowery Fitzhugh!
Several months ago, our Staff Parish Committee announced that Mary Ann Willow, our Music Director and Organist for the past 43 years, would retire, effective November 20th. While the completion of Mary Ann’s service in our Music Ministry will be difficult for us, we will celebrate with her a well-deserved retirement and a legacy of excellence in music ministry at Silver Spring United Methodist Church. More information about celebrations of Mary Ann’s ministry will be shared with our congregation next week.
Today, our Staff-Parish Committee is delighted to share that we have hired Mrs. Leona Lowery Fitzhugh as our Interim Director of Music Ministries. The Search Team was impressed by conversations with Mrs. Fitzhugh and with her technical, interpersonal and leadership skills. We believe that she understands and will fulfill the needs of our congregation as the interim Director of our Music Ministry.
Leona Lowery Fitzhugh has music degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Catholic University, and is candidate for the Master of Sacred Music at Westminster Choir College. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Japan. She has a distinguished background as a music educator and choral director with Prince George’s Public Schools and Catholic University. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Washington Women’s Chorale. For 22 years, Mrs. Fitzhugh currently serves Director of Music at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Leona is excited about Music Ministry and looking forward to her retirement from education to devote her work in glorifying God in song and music. One of her favorite Bible verses is Psalm 33:3 “Sing to Him a new song, play skillfully with a shout of joy”. She will begin her duties on November 21st, 2022.
Pastor’s Appeal
As we move into the Fall, we’re excited to expand the ways we are offering radical hospitality on Sunday mornings, including a Fellowship Hour in our newly renovated Parlor. That space will include wiggle room for children, a new coffee bar and storage for weekly coffee hour, and a refreshed nursing space for mothers.
In order to help fund this exciting ministry move, you’re invited to make a one-time gift between now and Sept. 25th to help us increase our capacity for vibrant fellowship and community by giving online to our Pastor’s Appeal or sending a check marked Pastor’s Appeal to the Church Office. In addition to helping support this shift, 10% of all gifts given will go to support our ministry partner, Shepherd’s Table, as they too do the work of hospitality for our neighbors. If you have additional questions, please email Pastor Will at wgreen@silverspringumcp.org.
Praying for Students, Teachers, & Caregivers
Everyone is invited to join Ms Marie on the church portico on Monday, August 29 at 8:00 a.m. for coffee and donuts as we pray for our students on their first day of school. Bring your chair. Come out, sit back, and relax on the portico while you drink your coffee and show your support for our kids! Questions? Contact Ms. Marie at mmatthews@silverspringucmp.org