From glorious fanfares in worship to quiet acts of care behind the scenes, Jeff Brummel has been a musician and minister for all.
Sunday, Oct. 18, will be the last at Wilshire for Jeff Brummel, associate minister of music and organist, who is moving to his native Oregon to be near family. Tapestry asked some of Jeff’s associates — both staff and laypersons — to share their thoughts about his 20 years of artistry and ministry among us.
“Jeff has been able to provide a musical collaboration with the congregation because of his highly developed, intuitive connection to the room. We are a singing congregation because of his ability to listen and respond. He is a master musician, but Jeff’s greatest gift is his ability to bridge generations and backgrounds, connecting effortlessly with both children and adults.”—Amy Pottkotter
“I’ve always admired Jeff’s work ethic. He taught himself to play the piano, which is a major accomplishment, and to go from there to a doctorate is amazing. What I saw in him for the last 20 years is how he protected his practice time. Yes, he could sit down and play just about anything, but he always wanted to do his very best, so practicing (for hours) was his top priority. When we officed next to each other, he would play his scales over and over again, always apologizing to me. I never minded.”—Barbara Clayton
“As I look back on a 40-year career in church music, working with Jeff for almost two decades at Wilshire was the high-water mark. To hear Jeff accompany congregational singing or even create an interlude for a children’s moment is to listen to a craftsman. I was fortunate to call Jeff both colleague and friend, and I’m certain other people in other places will be recipients of his music and ministry gifts.”—Doug Haney
“Jeff is one of my biggest mentors in life. He taught me that our ‘years of ears’ are the foundation of our musicianship and help us to share our gifts in generous ways. I am so grateful to have been his student in my youth and will take his wisdom with me as I continue to grow.”—Katherine Pottkotter
“When Jeff was my accompanist for Young Musicians, the children loved him, and he enjoyed getting to know them. When we collaborated in our annual MusiCamp, Jeff was easygoing, always a team player and focused on creating the best possible experience for the children. Later, when I had two surgeries, Jeff stepped in to direct New Song Community Choir, and our members fell in love with him. Whether sharing something about a composer, suggesting another way to sing a phrase or offering a lesson about life, Jeff has a gift for helping others learn and grow.”—Sarah Stafford
“If you ever got to hear Jeff lead in worship from the organ on a Sunday morning, you were truly blessed. But if you ever got to go on a trip with Jeff, you were privy to what really makes him so special. I had the pleasure of over a decade’s worth of Youth Choir tours with Jeff and will carry those memories with me forever.”—Darren DeMent
“Every Wednesday and Sunday has been a special time with Jeff at the piano or organ, and we will miss him terribly. I remember some special times with him when he served as a ‘chaperone’ on the Adventurers trip to Oregon. He loved showing us his state and telling us about this place or that, but he was probably most excited when we visited the Tillamook factory for cheeses and ice cream — lots of ice cream!”—Susan Leonard
“Jeff was my collaborator for music during Listen to Your Art, and our offices were next to each other. I would call him the perfect partner for making music and making mischief! I will miss his talent, his stories and his sense of humor. It goes without saying that his musical contributions are loved and valued, but it is the person inside Jeff that I will miss even more.”—Candy McComb
“Over 20 years of music ministry, Jeff gave us so much more than his talent at the organ and his dedicated leadership. He brought a relentless work ethic, hilarious stories and a heart that was always there for his people. Thank you, Jeff, for your guidance and friendship. You carry our deepest love and gratitude with you back to Oregon.”—Shana Gaines
“Everyone knows Jeff is an amazing organist and musician. As handbell coordinator, I got to know Jeff as a supervisor. He was unfailingly supportive and ready to share useful suggestions, even offering encouragement through handwritten notes. He was a true minister to me.”—Ralph Manuel
“What I’ll remember most about Jeff is his kind demeanor, his ever-ready support as a colleague and his care not just for the notes on the page but for the people making the music. Jeff, thank you for your friendship and for years of faithful, caring and thoughtful music-making and ministry at Wilshire. We are all better for the many gifts you shared with us.”—Ariel Merivil
“While recognizing Jeff’s many amazing music talents and especially his remarkable and much appreciated creativity at the organ, his dedicated ministry role at Wilshire, as he day by day exhibited Christ’s love to all, was passionately shared.”—Bill Jernberg
“In my decade-plus in Sanctuary Choir, Jeff has been our north star, our constant. I fear that I took for granted that I would always look to my left and see him providing us the most beautiful, steady support. His musicality was part of that steadiness, but mostly it was his very being. While often the less visible leader of our choir, his presence, leadership and very being are unparalleled, and I will long miss him.”—Monica Mullins
“As staff changes occurred, the opportunity arose for Jeff to assist with planning memorial services. This fit perfectly with his musical gifts and heart for pastoral care. I’ve seen families reassured and comforted as he walks them through the details of planning a service.”—Carol Cabaniss
“As a minister, Jeff’s heart is all in. He is very much the quiet, behind-the-scenes servant of God, looking for things that need to be done and doing them without fanfare. He cares for God’s flock in ways no one realizes. I knew whenever I saw Jeff he was going to greet me with a smile, probably say something witty, ask how a member of my family is doing and even ask if I’ve been on a quilt trip lately — often all in one breath on his way to a rehearsal.”—Laurie Diffee
“Jeff exemplifies what it means to be a true minister. His deep love for music and people, combined with his gift for teaching, his intelligence, his wonderful sense of humor and his genuine friendship, come together to create a beautiful harmony of ministry that touches lives and brings people closer to one another and to God.”—Mary Morgan