Dear People of Bethesda-by-the-Sea,

On behalf of my wife Valerie, I write with enthusiasm as we join you in Palm Beach for the interim period. Thanks to the hospitality of the wardens, the welcome and commitment of the vestry, and the care and guiding wisdom of the clergy and staff, we are getting acclimated, and we look forward to beginning in earnest in September.

Every day I learn something new about Bethesda-by-the-Sea. Person by person and bit by bit I am piecing together the joyful collage of this parish. The recurring pleasure of my education as your Interim Rector is the process of discovering your history, expectations, dreams, challenges, accomplishments, and joys. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you and your family and friends.

Due to longstanding commitments this summer, I will be joining you in July and most of August by virtual gatherings and communication. My first Sunday in the pulpit will be August 22. I look forward to meeting some of you on that day, and as our schedule allows us to be more regular beginning in September, I anticipate meeting many more of you. To that end, we have a wonderful fall kick-off planned for Sunday, September 12. Please mark your calendars.

During the first two months of the interim, I’m counting on a dedicated Vestry, clergy team, and staff to uphold and care for the congregation day by day. Please give them your unqualified support as they exercise their wonderful ministries.

Please be assured of my prayers as we prepare to join you for what looks to be a very good period in the life of Bethesda-by-the-Sea.

Faithfully yours,

Bob Dannals
Interim Rector