On Thursday, the Kessler Park United Methodist Church officially announced that Turtle Creek Chorale artistic director Jonathan Palant is the congregation’s new minister of music. Palant’s inaugural service will be May 22.
Here’s the full press release:
KESSLER PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NAMES DR. JONATHAN PALANT NEW MINISTER OF MUSIC
Noted conductor to guide music programs for Oak Cliff institution
Dr. Jonathan Palant, Artistic Director of the Turtle Creek Chorale, has been named Minister of Music at Kessler Park United Methodist Church effective immediately. He will conduct his first service Sunday, May 22, 2011.
Palant, a resident of Dallas’ Kessler Park area, said, “Kessler Park United Methodist Church, very much like the Turtle Creek Chorale, is rich in its tradition and community involvement. I look forward to growing the music ministry through unique musical programming, citywide collaborations and intergenerational activities within the church. I am humbled by this appointment and enthusiastic about every aspect of this new responsibility.”
“We are delighted to have someone of Jonathan’s talents to guide our music programs,” said Reverend David Carr, Senior Pastor. “We have always had an outstanding ministry of music for all ages – children, youth and adult – and with Jonathan’s direction, we anticipate an even greater level of participation and quality.”
Senior Pastor David Carr remarks, “We see Jonathan’s appointment as a critical element to growing our commitment within the Dallas and Oak Cliff community. We have a significant ‘visioning’ initiative underway for the whole church having recently launched new initiatives for Generation X and Y adults, as well as programs for our Methodist Youth Fellowship. It’s truly an exciting time of growth at KPUMC.”
Carr became Senior Pastor of the church in July 2010.
Jonathan Palant is an excellent choice. He will bring so much to this new position. Palant is incredibly talented and his personality shines. Great news for Kessler Park!
In the two and a half years that I’ve been a member of the Turtle Creek Chorale, I’ve come to respect and love Dr. Palant! He has enriched my life so much with the music he’s chosen for us to sing. Sometimes very challenging, but always rewarding. I know he’ll do the same for Kessler Park UMC
I was a long time member of Kessler, I may have to start going back now that he is there. I bet the music will be wonderful!
So.. does that mean KPUMC has now become as “gay-friendly” as the Turtle Creek Chorale? Will KPUMC soon also be changing it’s name to Cathedral of Hope – Oak Cliff? I think it is SAD news for what used to be cornerstone conservative Methodist church is Oak Cliff. I guess the gays really have taken over Kessler and Stevens Park. (I’m a native).
Church isn’t supposed to be about the MUSIC; it’s supposed tbe about the GOSPEL the SCRIPTURE. What you have now is a pseduo-religious country / social club. What a pity.