Celtic services leaders at St. Anne’s Episcopal Parish are looking to pass the fiddle after five years of organizing the community events.
“This has not been an easy decision to make,” Tracy Kaminer said of the trio’s upcoming break. “The services are still going strong, and we’d love to see them continue under new leadership.”
Kaminer started the monthly events with Celie McGurk after the pair purchased the necessary books, selected prayers, chose hymns with a Celtic flair, and prayed that it would all come together. In the years to follow, the small services saw attendance grow from the local congregation to include much of the community as well.
“It’s now something quite different, and we love that,” Kaminer said of the events. “We’ve had pot luck dinners and robust receptions as we all get to know each other better. We’ve held community concerts—our last one with more than 90 people!”
While Kaminer, McGurk and Eleanor Winsor celebrate the growth of these community events held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, they have also realized that they cannot continue to coordinate on their own.
“As the months go on, we have seen more and more people step up to participate in readings, reflections, music and food preparation,” Kaminer said. “That’s been so gratifying. At the end of the day, though, Celie, Eleanor and I are still doing most of the planning and coordinating of the services.”
The group will continue to hold scheduled events throughout May of this year, including the upcoming March 17 service with local musicians from the congregation. Anyone interested in taking over the planning of future events can contact the group or church for more information.
“Thank you so much for joining us in our Celtic services,” Kaminer said. “Please know that we love each one of you and hope to see you at our remaining services and beyond. Thank you for being with us on this incredible journey.”
