Dear Good Shepherd family,

I began as your organist in September 1998 and immediately felt welcomed, loved and supported by the people of Good Shepherd. I treasure the friendships I have made here -- you have truly become my “home away from home.”

And so, it is with a very heavy heart that I share with you the upcoming relocation of our piano studio to Cary, North Carolina (a suburb of Raleigh) this June. It is rare to find a community like Cary with such a high demand for piano teachers, especially amidst a declining demand in places like Colorado. So, we feel compelled, for financial reasons, to begin this new chapter. Additionally, a small “oxygen” issue with Neal’s health gives us additional impetus to relocate to a lower altitude.

Please know that, at the time we began the organ fund-raising campaign, I had no intentions of leaving Good Shepherd or Denver. Nonetheless, I believe that the wonderful new organ you have purchased will help you to attract a fine new organist; and will be an important part of the continuation of Good Shepherd’s outstanding music program.

We look forward to celebrating the Easter season with you and will complete our time at Good Shepherd as of Pentecost Sunday, May 31st. We will move the following week, the week of June 1.

Again, Neal and I want to thank you for all of the love and support we have felt from the staff, the choirs, and the people of Good Shepherd these 22 years. We will miss you very much, but we know that we leave Good Shepherd in the good hands of Father Gary and your staff members and Vestry. May God continue to bless you and Good Shepherd richly in all the days ahead!

In Christian love, Dr. Stephen Fiess