The Massa Family’s UK Adventure

We’re Chris and Elise Massa, and our family is about to embark on an exciting adventure. This fall, Chris will begin studying for a Ph.D. in music composition at Durham University in the UK, which means we will be moving to England! We’re downsizing our belongings, selling our house, and hoping to move across the pond in mid-August. Here’s more about what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how you can come along for the ride.

Chris’s Story

Over the past decade, I’ve been juggling two musical roles: serving as a church musician alongside my wife, Elise, and working as a freelance composer. Not surprisingly, my work as a music and arts minister has taken up most of my time, leaving me with limited opportunities to compose. For years I’ve entertained the idea of going back to school, and I’ve long dreamed of living in England. Fast forward to the present day, and I can hardly believe that, twenty years after getting my bachelor’s degree, I’d have the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. at one of the most prestigious schools in the UK: Durham University. It feels like the opportunity of a lifetime, because it is.

Elise’s Story

In addition to working as a music and arts minister with Chris, I’ve been serving as a missionary with United Adoration, a non-profit organization that seeks to help churches show the Kingdom of God by empowering local church artists to create art meaningful to their community and culture. I’ve also had the privilege of working with Resound Worship, a UK-based collective of songwriters and worship leaders. Through these connections, I've found numerous doors opening to lead retreats and work with artists in England. Most of my work for the past two years has been UK-based and done remotely. The opportunity to make a transatlantic move is a game-changer, allowing me to continue the meaningful work I'm already involved in, but on the ground rather than through Zoom, and within the same time zone.

What You Can Do

While this opportunity is undoubtedly thrilling, it comes with its fair share of sacrifices. We will be bidding farewell to our home, family, and friends, and we will be leaving our ministry roles at Church of the Ascension in Pittsburgh. That last point is key, because, to be honest, this transition isn’t cheap. In addition to the upfront costs associated with the move, we will be responsible for covering Chris’s tuition, as well as our travel and living costs. We’re a family of three, so the financial burden is substantial. The sale of our house will certainly help, as will student loans, but there’s still a price tag attached, and it’s not insignificant.

If you have been blessed by our ministry and believe in our work, or if you simply want to encourage us on this journey, would you consider partnering with us financially? Specifically, we’re looking for support during our first year as we settle in and get acclimated to a new community. We estimate that the expenses for our first year will be about $75,000, and we’re hoping to raise $60,000 of that. Let’s break it down in increments of $15,000:

• $15k will get us to the UK. Plane tickets, visas, and the immigrant health surcharge.

• $15k more will cover our rent for the first year and will help with living expenses.

• $15k more will cover half of Chris’s tuition for the first year.

• $15k more will cover the rest of Chris’s tuition for the first year. No need to pull from those student loans.

There are two ways of supporting us financially. If you want to give now to help defray our upfront costs, that's what this GoFundMe page is all about. If you want to support us on a regular (that is, monthly or bi-monthly) basis, the best way to do so is to partner with Elise and her work with United Adoration as UK Team Leader. To support our family, Elise’s role will increase from part-time to full-time (an additional need of $3000/month). Monthly partnerships of $35, $50, or $100+ will help this work (and our family) be sustainable. You can find out more about this here: https://www.unitedadoration.com/team/elise-massa/.

However you want to support us, know that your support means the world to us, and whatever you can give is incredibly helpful. Thank you!