John Meier's Next Steps

Dear Friends at St. John the Divine,

It is with a wash of many emotions that I share that I will be leaving the staff at St. John the Divine this summer to serve as Principal Organist at St. Martin's Episcopal Church here in Houston.

For almost 24 years, it has been my privilege to be part of the ministry at this parish. I first came on board to play for the Sunday morning Chapel Service, a position I took a month after moving to Houston, in what was a truly new beginning for me. From the beginning, the congregation and staff of St. John the Divine warmly welcomed me and made me feel at home, something for which I will always be grateful.

I am also deeply thankful to have learned so much about music and ministry in The Episcopal Church, and especially grateful to Steve Newberry for his years of mentorship and leadership. I am also thankful for the countless clergy and fellow staff members with whom I have served and through whom I have grown so much. St. John the Divine is an amazing place with amazing people, and I am going to miss you greatly.

I look forward to having the opportunity to say goodbye to all of you in person on Sunday, May 31. For now, please know how much each of you has meant to me during my time here.

In Christ,

John Meier, Associate Director of Music and Worship

Dear Friends,

John Meier and I basically started our ministries at St. John the Divine around the same time. It has been a joy to watch him grow over the past twenty-four years from a Sunday-only organist in the Chapel to our full-time Associate Director of Music and Worship. Not only has John been a kind and generous fellow staff member, but he also brings delight to us who listen to him play the organ on Sundays as he incorporates all kinds of clever improvisations into his postludes!

In moving to St. Martin’s as primary organist, John leaves a wonderful legacy at St. John the Divine. Well-liked by the staff and chorale, John will build similar relationships at his new church through his good humor and authentic faith. On Sunday, May 31, we will have the chance to thank him.

In the meantime, we are in the preliminary process of filling his (organist's) shoes. Let us all keep this important task in prayer.

On a personal note, I will miss John as many of you will, yet I am overjoyed for him in his new responsibilities as he continues his vital ministry of leading a new congregation in worshiping the Lord.

Yours in Christ,

Reagan+
The Rev. Reagan Cocke, Senior Vice Rector