Community at its Best
Dear Members of the Parish,
My heart is full of gratitude for all those who gave so generously of their time and talent this weekend as we welcomed over 300 people to the Deanery Confirmation Service. I smiled as the families arrived and looked at the stained glass windows and said what a beautiful church we have.
Bishop Tom Shaw spent 45 minutes with those who were to be confirmed and received. They were mostly teenagers -- all dressed up, and a little nervous. Bishop Shaw was so good with them, so real with them.
The air was full of energy and expectation as the Bag Piper played on the front lawn of the Church. As we processed into the Church singing "Earth and all stars," I was very emotional seeing the Choir up on the altar, giving their all. Linda Clark's leadership was so evident as the music flowed so effortlessly from one piece to the next.
It was an amazing day and I felt so grateful to be here in this place, serving beside you. I want to thank Linda Clark and the Choir for their beautiful music and dedication to fine liturgy; to our Acolytes Madeleine Aquilina and Kayly Spangenberg (Betsy Blagdon pinched-hit with the Dove kite); to Peggy Heywood, Andrea and Bessie Lyman, Ann Fletcher, and Carol Robinson, who served as greeters and ushers; to my spouse, Lisa Garcia, who headed up the reception with the generous helping hands of Carolyn, Derek and Paul Wong, Margie Chapman and Carol McNally; thanks to Carrie Hawley for the beautiful flowers; to Jenny Rosser who did the stunning arrangements of flowers for the Confirmation Service; and to Debra and Doug Lloyd, who calmly saw to the many details behind the scenes and kept us all moving forward throughout the morning; to Susan Clancy, who did an amazing job at putting the lovely program together, and lastly, thanks to Ed Pease, who preached for me on Sunday! If I left anyone out, know of my gratitude to you for your help and support!
Over and over again I was reminded of what makes this parish so great -- your hospitality. You welcome the stranger so well! Everyone felt included and at home here and they were fed very well, too! These large gatherings of the People of God connect us in ways we never imagined and strengthen the bonds of community and affection. My heart is very full of love and gratitude for all of you.
Blessings and Peace,
Miriam
My heart is full of gratitude for all those who gave so generously of their time and talent this weekend as we welcomed over 300 people to the Deanery Confirmation Service. I smiled as the families arrived and looked at the stained glass windows and said what a beautiful church we have.
Bishop Tom Shaw spent 45 minutes with those who were to be confirmed and received. They were mostly teenagers -- all dressed up, and a little nervous. Bishop Shaw was so good with them, so real with them.
The air was full of energy and expectation as the Bag Piper played on the front lawn of the Church. As we processed into the Church singing "Earth and all stars," I was very emotional seeing the Choir up on the altar, giving their all. Linda Clark's leadership was so evident as the music flowed so effortlessly from one piece to the next.
It was an amazing day and I felt so grateful to be here in this place, serving beside you. I want to thank Linda Clark and the Choir for their beautiful music and dedication to fine liturgy; to our Acolytes Madeleine Aquilina and Kayly Spangenberg (Betsy Blagdon pinched-hit with the Dove kite); to Peggy Heywood, Andrea and Bessie Lyman, Ann Fletcher, and Carol Robinson, who served as greeters and ushers; to my spouse, Lisa Garcia, who headed up the reception with the generous helping hands of Carolyn, Derek and Paul Wong, Margie Chapman and Carol McNally; thanks to Carrie Hawley for the beautiful flowers; to Jenny Rosser who did the stunning arrangements of flowers for the Confirmation Service; and to Debra and Doug Lloyd, who calmly saw to the many details behind the scenes and kept us all moving forward throughout the morning; to Susan Clancy, who did an amazing job at putting the lovely program together, and lastly, thanks to Ed Pease, who preached for me on Sunday! If I left anyone out, know of my gratitude to you for your help and support!
Over and over again I was reminded of what makes this parish so great -- your hospitality. You welcome the stranger so well! Everyone felt included and at home here and they were fed very well, too! These large gatherings of the People of God connect us in ways we never imagined and strengthen the bonds of community and affection. My heart is very full of love and gratitude for all of you.
Blessings and Peace,
Miriam
posted by Miriam | 12:51 PM
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