As many of you know, Paul Ferris has been a wonderful addition to our church since Bob Bryan's retirement, who faithfully served as Music Director for 54 years. Since joining us in January 2025, Paul has blessed our congregation in countless ways. He has worked faithfully with our choir, shared his remarkable musical gifts in worship, and even helped us find, acquire, and care for our beautiful grand piano. Through his talent, dedication, and servant heart, Paul has enriched our worship life and strengthened our music ministry.

We are deeply grateful for Paul's willingness to step in during a time of transition. What began as a temporary commitment became a much longer and richer season of ministry than any of us anticipated, and we have been blessed by every moment of it.

As Paul and his wife look forward to embracing retirement, we celebrate this exciting new chapter in his life and thank him for all that he has shared with our church family.

Knowing that Paul's time with First Presbyterian Church would eventually come to a close, we have been diligently searching for a new Music Director. Once again, Paul has been an invaluable partner in this process, offering guidance and support throughout the search. Thanks in part to his assistance, we are delighted to announce that Phillip McLellan has accepted the position of Music Director at First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan.

A lifelong Northern Michigan resident, Phillip has dedicated much of his life to music, theatre, and the arts. He studied Musical Theatre Performance at Western Michigan University and has been active throughout the region as a pianist, vocalist, conductor, director, and educator. His experience includes serving as a church choir director, teaching with the Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet, directing musical productions for Harbor Springs Public Schools, and performing with numerous community arts organizations. He currently sings with The Noteables chamber choir and continues to perform throughout Northern Michigan. Having grown up participating in the arts through local schools, the Bay View Music Festival, and Little Traverse Civic Theatre, Phillip developed a deep appreciation for the role music can play in shaping lives and strengthening communities. He is passionate about creating meaningful worship experiences and believes music has a unique ability to bring people together, deepen faith, and enrich the life of a congregation.

Phillip is honored to join the First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan family and looks forward to sharing in the congregation's ministry through music, fellowship, and worship. To help ensure a smooth transition, Phillip will join us in worship on July 19 and July 26, serving alongside Paul during those Sundays. This will provide an opportunity for the congregation to meet Phillip and for the two musicians to share in this season of transition together.

We invite you to join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Paul and celebrating his ministry among us. A special send-off and time of appreciation will be held on Sunday, July 26, following worship.

As we give thanks for Paul's faithful service, we also look forward with anticipation to this new chapter in the life of our congregation. God has richly blessed our music ministry, and we are excited for what lies ahead. Welcome, Phillip!