March 10, 2022
Dear St. Philip the Deacon Friends,
I write to share news that Linda Armstrong, our Director of Music, has let us know that she will be retiring at the end of May.
Linda has been at St. Philip the Deacon for nearly 26 years, and under her outstanding leadership, our music ministries have thrived. She is a gifted musician on the organ bench and at the podium, a thoughtful worship planner, an effective administrator, and a trusted colleague. Thanks to Linda, we are blessed with an exceptional music ministry, and we give thanks for her good and faithful service.
“It’s hard for me to put into words what this position has meant to me for the past 26 years,” Linda said. “I have always felt fortunate to be able to do what I love, and it has been a true pleasure to work alongside so many wonderful musicians to make worship services musically meaningful each week. There is no way I can thank the community of St. Philip the Deacon enough for all that I have gained in this position, and I will look forward to watching as the music continues to flourish here.”
During her retirement, Linda plans to spend more time with her family—including her 11 grandchildren—and hopes to explore new ways of making music.
We will begin a search for a new Director of Music immediately, whose responsibilities will include worship planning, overseeing our choral programs, and helping us to expand and build on our already exceptional music ministries—possibly including the creation of an SPD Concert Series. Kraig Windschitl, who joined our staff last year, will take over responsibilities at the organ and piano bench, and will continue to oversee the Sunday 11 a.m. service and the new handbell choir.
We will obviously thank Linda publicly in the next few months for the outstanding musical legacy she has left us. In the meantime, I encourage you to extend your gratitude and appreciation to her personally, and to keep her and the congregation in your prayers during this time of transition.
Grace and Peace,
Tim Westermeyer
Senior Pastor