Chris Bendrell directing choir
Staffing Changes
2025 was a year of significant change in our Music department. Dan Dufford, our Music Director, was dismissed from his role during the year. In addition, we received the resignation of Sarah Kanyok, a member of the Music Ministry Staff. These transitions were unexpected and disruptive for the department. We took action to stabilize the music program by inviting Chris Bendrell and Elizabeth Arons to step into interim roles until a clear plan was devised. Chris Bendrell took on the responsibility of leading the choir and Elizabeth Arons took responsibility for leading the Modern Music team. This fall Chris and Elizabeth have done a stunning job leading our music ministries and the program has flourished under their leadership.
In January 2026, we invited Chris Bendrell to join our staff as Music Director and Elizabeth Arons to continue as our interim Modern Music Coordinator. Chris as the Music Director has three key objectives in the first six months of his tenure. First is to secure a permanent organist. Second, evaluate our Modern Music program and personnel. Third, once the music staff is assembled, permanent organist and Modern Music Coordinator, they will engage in team building and planning for the third and fourth quarter of the year. We are confident in Chris’ abilities and leadership to grow and develop our music program.
Organ Completion
In 2026, we have contracted with Pipe Dreams LLC to complete our choral organ project. We began this project during covid under the direction and design of Dan Dufford. In the fourth quarter of 2025 we had the instrument evaluated. Three consultants independently concluded that the instrument was approximately 75% complete. Their unanimous recommendation was to engage the visionary and designer of the instrument to complete it. We have contracted with Pipe Dreams LLC which is owned and run by Dan Dufford to complete the project. We have hired Kris Harris of Harris Organ Works to be our owner agent to oversee the project to its completion. We vetted this decision to contract with Pipe Dreams LLC with the diocese and legal counsel. Given this is contracting with Dan Dufford as a technician and not as an employee nor in leadership and the project will be managed and overseen by an owner agent, we were assured this was an appropriate step to complete the project in alignment with the original objectives of the visionary and designer. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 2026 at which time we will have an event to celebrate the choral organ’s completion. Thank you to all those who gave so generously to this project and those who volunteered to build the façade and organ chamber. We believe this instrument is vital to the future music ministry of Christ Church and we are thrilled it will be completed this year.
Now for a look to the future of our Music program from our new Music Director Chris Bendrell.
I am humbled and honored to share with you in reflecting on the music ministry of Christ Church, and in looking forward to a new season. I believe that the Spirit is at work here in our ministry, and is leading us towards growth and renewal.
Chris Bendrell, Music Director
I want to thank all of the incredible organists who have shared their time and talent with us during this interim period. Their contributions have been a major part of the momentum and vitality we have sustained in our ministry. I also want to thank Elizabeth Arons, who has been instrumental in fostering excellence for our contemporary music offerings. I am incredibly proud of our group’s work during the interim, particularly during the Diocesan Ordination, and during the Christmas season. It is the constant dedication of the members of our ministry that helps to fill such feasts with worship.
Looking to 2026
In 2026, I hope to approach all that we do with a spirit of openness, exploration, and joy, as we strive to encounter the beauty of holiness. I especially look forward to sharing the coming season of Lent, and the range of emotion we experience in music, leading us to the paschal victory. I believe wholeheartedly that the completion of the choir organ will enrich the worship of Christ Church for generations, and that we are coming into a new era of faithfulness in our musical journey. My hope is that we will continue to grow in both excellence and spirituality, drawing together into prayer, beauty, and shared life. Thank you for your support.