Change is Afoot

Dear Friends,

Don’t panic! While I am excited to report some changes in our community of Grace, I hope all of what follows is good news about how we are doing ministry more effectively for you and for Elkridge.

First, a few weeks ago Bryan Lally and I met to discuss a ministry at Grace that he had begun to experience this summer, and what it would mean to make it officially part of our worship. That ministry is serving as a verger. I have served several parishes of all sizes, along with the Washington National Cathedral that have been served by people in this ministry. Essentially, Bryan will be serving as the emcee at our 10 am worship, as well as at major services, and one worship services. What Bryan relieves the presiding clergy of, is the wondering of who came to serve, and who didn’t, and either fills those roles or finds someone else to serve. The verger works with our scheduler and our altar guild to ensure that the clergy are focused on worship and tending the congregation within that worship. I am very grateful that Bryan has stepped forward for this coordinating ministry.

Second, we have moved to a communications and calendar team that includes Elaine Williams as coordinator, of the calendar and the stake holders who meet about it, and editor of Got Grace our weekly electronic newsletter. Melanie Hill has also been hired by the vestry for 8 hours a week as our communications staff. Melanie is our photographer in chief, oversees our social media presence, and our website. You will be delighted to see that information about our annual giving campaign, and our search process was up and ready to go as the stewardship letters arrived in the mail, and our search committee was commissioned. A good example of Melanie’s efforts is the 30 or so folks who came to the Blessing of the Animals service on October 4^th. Most were not from the parish, but our neighbors who read about it on social media.

Finally, I was delighted to join the staff here and work with your deacon, the Reverend Mimi Mathews. Deacons are not paid for the ministry they provide to a parish. Instead, we make an annual contribution to the Diocese to support the deacon’s training program. Deacon Mimi does provide ministry beyond her agreed upon service here as a deacon. When I must be away, she leads worship for Grace. When she does this, we do offer her a stipend as we would any supply clergy. Mimi+ has been an invaluable companion in offering pastoral care to parishioners as well as encouraging the generous work this community offers to the community of Elkridge and beyond. As our deacon she continually inspires us to have a deep and compassionate heart for those in need and to act accordingly. Above and beyond, she, along with her sister Mary, most recently led a fabulous rummage sale!

As you can see there are changes in our midst, and I hope they are ones that continue to support and inspire all of us to be a place and people of Grace.

God’s peace and keeping,

Mary+