The Old Testament writer known as Ecclesiastes made memorable the ancient truth, “For everything there is a season and for every activity under heaven its time.” But he was singularly unsuccessful in suggesting why life must be riddled with so many beginnings and endings.
Welcome to the season of transitions — spring days are lengthening and warming into summer and many parishioners are transitioning to another home, location, or rhythm. Vacation periods are nearing — the time when we are able to vacate some of the regular routine with its incessant demands and assume a slower pace and a sabbath rest.
At church we have moved to two services on Sunday, and we are beginning to transition into our summer patterns. We are very fortunate to call upon the extraordinary talents of the Revs. Susan Beebe, Elizabeth Geitz, and Clay Waddell during the summer months. I will be with you consistently through June and I will be relying on solid clergy and lay staff to oversee the day-to-day activities of the parish, even as I’m staying up with overall management by extension. I’ll be present at least two Sundays per month beginning in September, to preach and teach, and attend to various other pastoral and program functions.
We are also grateful that Laura Manley is now full-time and is giving needed attention to both stewardship and outreach.
The Church Mouse is preparing to close for the summer months. Upon re-opening in the fall, the staffing will be a bit more streamlined, counting on one General Manager, Daisy Alvarez. We bid Mr. Coy Riestra farewell this summer and extend to him our heartfelt gratitude for ten years of faithful service to The Church Mouse.
Transitions are intriguing, sometimes difficult, and often full of promise. As the Rector Search Committee continues their work, and as we prepare for the fall, I ask for your continuing support and generosity. We need everyone … everyone’s participation, every-one’s offerings, everyone’s prayers.
This comes with my best wishes for the summer.
Bob Dannals
Interim Rector