News Stories

New Organist Started September 10

A Note from Mother Tanya

Dear friends,

As you know, in March we celebrated Dr. David Kennedy, our beloved music director of many years, and wished him well in his retirement. It has been a joy that he has continued to be part of our community and has continued to share his gifts with us during our interim period.

Since March, we have welcomed many supply organists, and we have been blessed by their gifts and talents. I am so grateful to each person who was willing to join us as in worship. Michael Bahmann and Diana Norton Jackson have been our longest-serving supply organists, and I know you share my gratitude for them and the way they have amplified our worship. Diana is with us this Sunday, September 3rd, and I hope you will join me in thanking her for her time with us.

On September 10th, we will welcome our new Minister of Music, Michael Kelly. You may remember him from our July 31st worship service. When I first met with Mike, I found him to be thoughtful, kind, talented, and enthusiastic about joining our community. He shares my gratitude for the anchors of our choir and my hope that we can continue to grow choir participation. Another of my hopes is that we will have a musical opportunity for our children and youth, and as a teacher Mike is uniquely positioned to consider how to best make this a reality. Our choir had the final say, and after their unanimous yes, I was delighted to invite Mike to join us!

He’s written an introduction below so that we can get to know him, and I know that you will join me in welcoming him to Trinity Church. I’m excited that he will be part of our faith community and look forward to what our future holds!

Faithfully,
Mother Tanya

A Greeting from Mike Kelly

Greetings…As of September 10, I’ll be taking on the role of Minister of Music at Trinity Church, and I’m looking forward to getting started!

I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, where I grew up, raised my two beautiful (and now grown) children, and received my degrees in music from the University of Cincinnati (music education, composition, and theory). I’ve taught music in public schools and at the college level and have served as a church and theatrical music director throughout my adult life, both in Ohio and–more recently–in southern Vermont.

I’ve seen a lot of changes in the past year: I’ve just been hired as a public school music teacher in Fall River, and am in the process of moving to Federal Hill in Providence. In my spare time, I like hiking, writing, composing, and spending time with my amazing partner.

I’m truly thankful for this opportunity to join the Trinity Church community. Take care, and I’ll see you all soon.

Mike Kelly

The Trinity Church Scholarship Fund has been growing, and in keeping with the intent of the founders, the Salisbury family, and Charles Gorton, the funds are available to YOU. Funds have traditionally been given out to assist with college expenses, but with fewer members in this age group now, the Scholarship Committee is ready to consider assistance for all kinds of educational experiences, including pre-school through high school, and adult programs too.

If you are considering a camp experience for your children- NOW is the time to consider plans for SUMMER CAMPS, of all types (e.g. ECC, art, music, science, dance, math, etc.). A scholarship could help you send the kids to camp to experience, learn and grow.

Other supplemental educational experiences, for ALL TRINITY members, adults included, can be considered by the Scholarship Committee. Are you considering additional training for your job? Or looking to be trained in a new career area? Adult education and enrichment programs will be considered!

A pdf of the application can be downloaded from this link. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but don’t wait. As soon as you have plans to further your education or attend a camp, please submit the application to the parish office at office@trinitycranston.org. Scholarship committee members are Donna Tobin, Marcia Lima, Margaret Thomas and Nancy Dorsey.

Thank you to everyone who joined in Trinity’s retirement reception for our music director on Sunday, March 5, making it the best party ever! David and Cathy were overwhelmed with the gifts, the food and the turnout. Barbara Chartier and Maureen Mooney, our main organizers did a wonderful job. Angela Butler was also a main player. The flowers were lovely, so thank you to those who brought them. The food, (shout out to the scallop crepes) was awesome.

David and Cathy will certainly enjoy their trip to the Wentworth Inn in Jackson, NH and several evenings out at Spain restaurant, thanks to all of us.

Enjoy the pics, courtesy of Cathi Beattie and Margaret Thomas.

Plain-text version:

Join us as we celebrate our Retiring Music Director
Dr. David Kennedy
Sharing our love and gratitude
for his many years of faithful service

In the Parish Hall
following our 10:00 Service
Sunday, March 5th

Food and fellowship

Trinity Church
139 Ocean Ave.
Cranston, RI

Thank you once again for your generous support in the collection of adult’s hats and mittens for the House of Hope. The donations were delivered and are very much appreciated and needed.