from "The Christian" newsletter - 5/15/2008

FAREWELL TO OUR CHANCEL CHOIR DIRECTOR

This will be rough, but……

A HUGE thank you to our beloved Noel Sylvester for 18 years (!) as our Chancel Choir Director.  This Sunday, May 18th, will be Noel’s last Sunday and the choir's last Sunday before summer special music begins.  We will honor his service for beautiful music leadership for so many years, and will wish him and Barb well as he travels more for his job (and for fun, sometimes, too!).  THANK YOU, NOEL!

Linda Uthoff, Worship Chair

A letter from Noel...

It is after much prayer and thought that I give this notice of resignation as Choir Director of the First Christian Church (DOC), Manhattan, Kansas.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve in that capacity for the past 18 years.  I have seen many people come and go throughout those years and many changes with staff, choir members and physical make up of our church sanctuary.

When Barb and I moved to Manhattan in February 1990, Kelly was almost 5, Dane was 4 months old, and Logan was still in the future.  We came looking for a church home and the fact that Barb was already a Disciple of Christ member from Lawrence, and I had friends and relatives that were already members of the church here in Manhattan, this church felt right.  Don Thomson was the Choir Director and his stepping down in the spring that year made it possible for me to step into that position the following fall.

Now here we are in 2008 and Kelly is 23 and graduating from KSU this May.  Dane is graduating from Manhattan High and will be attending KSU this fall.  Logan is finishing his junior year at Manhattan High, and is one year away from making Barb and I empty nesters.

All this being said, I am ready to move on and let someone else take over the reins and direct the Chancel Choir starting next fall.  My last Sunday directing will be May 18th.

I have enjoyed the people and the experience.  Thanks for letting me share so much fellowship and music with you.

Noel Sylvester