Beloved Community,

Below is an important letter to you from our music minister, Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez — someone who has embodied service in this ministry since 2002 and is a true disciple of Christ. As you will see below, Kelly will be resigning as music minister effective June 1. As you will also see in the letter, she will not be leaving the ministry. She will continue to serve the Children, Youth, and Families program, lead the Joyful Noise Choir, and be a vital part of the community.

Obviously, Kelly can't be replaced. What we can do is take what Kelly has given us and use it as a foundation for continuing to build our music program. Kelly and I have given deep thought to the future of the music ministry, and we have an exciting plan for going forward. You'll get more details about that plan soon.

Love and blessings,
Pastor Lynice

April 19, 2009

First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street
Oakland, CA 94610

Dear beloved community of First Congregational Church of Oakland,

I'm writing this letter to announce my resignation as music minister of First Congregational Church of Oakland effective May 31, 2009.

As most of you know, I have been teaching music at Park Day School for the past two years.  The school has offered me full-time employment for the upcoming school year. With this added musical opportunity also comes the chance to have one job, and time to focus on my own musical career and my family.

This was not an easy decision to make. First Congregational Church of Oakland is more than a job - it is a place of spiritual community and growth, as well as a place where I have grown as a musician, choir director, band leader, and praise leader.

When I first arrived at First Congo, I couldn't even sing "Lord" without some hesitation. I had stayed away from church for almost 12 years, seeking a spiritual path, free of the constraints of my childhood religion. I had no idea that progressive Christians existed, and I had a huge awakening and reclaiming of my faith. Because I was the praise and worship leader, I asked for a lot of help in healing my evangelical upbringing and enjoyed being the inspiration for the "Keep the Baby" series (preached and taught back in 2002) in which we gathered and claimed the core essence of the Christian faith.

As a musician, I grew as a direct result of working side by side with veteran choral director Trente Morant (2003-2007). He was and is a true brother in music, in life, and in the spirit. We prayed together, researched music together, laughed together, and co-directed the choir with a spirit of partnership that was truly a blessing.

Since Trente's departure in 2007, I "grew my own wings" and recognized that not only could I handle running the music ministry but actually thrive as the solo choir director and band leader.  I have to give thanks and praise to the faithful members of Voices of Praise, who have stayed loyal and committed throughout these years, helping and encouraging me as their leader. There are many members who have been singing with the choir right from the beginning of VOP's existence, and we are truly blessed for their faithfulness.

And finally I cannot finish this letter without acknowledging one person who has been behind me and beside me throughout the years here at First Congo.  Reverend Lynice has been more than a pastor, a counselor, a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. She and I partnered in supporting each other as we have weathered the many transitions in this ministry. Our weekly meetings since 2007 have become a source of strength, joy and inspiration to me. I have relied on her through thick and thin, and she will always be my sister in God! She will continue to be my pastor and friend - and I can't wait to listen to her sermons, free of having to think about what happens next in the service!

It has become clear to me that it is important for someone else to carry First Congregational Church of Oakland's music ministry into this next phase of growth. I know that having new energy, new inspiration, and new enthusiasm will be a powerful force at First Congo, and I am happy to be a part if it from the other side of the sanctuary!

To be clear, I am not leaving the church entirely. I am simply giving up my position as music minister. I will be away for most of the summer and will be coming back in the fall to continue working monthly with the Joyful Noise Youth Choir and the Children, Youth, and Family Ministry. 

I am eternally grateful and thankful for the people and my ability to grow in service at First Congregational Church of Oakland, and will continue to be an active member of the church. I look forward to seeing the music ministry grow and develop.

I would like to personally invite everyone to a final farewell concert/praise and worship service on Sunday evening, May 31, 2009. More details to come about this event, but you can count on hearing a bunch of my favorite praise and worship songs, as well as anthems from Voices of Praise! Come and be blessed!

Sincerely,

Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez