Walking Together in Grace

Dear Friends,

Thank you for welcoming me and my husband, Peder, so warmly into your midst. I am the sort of person who remembers faces before names, so give me time to learn to know who you all are. It is always wonderful to join a congregation in which I already know some people. It makes that first week of entry, which is always like drinking from a fire hose, so much easier.

Here is what you can expect from me in our time together. First, I am a writer and teacher by training so you will hear from me via your newsletter every week. That’s my time to reflect with you about life at Grace, and the life of faith we share. Second, I am an organized bug so I will be working with any number of you to heighten our communications, making sure our calendar is clear about events and deadlines, and generally insuring we are all on the same page about our life. I am thrilled that a new website is on the horizon, perhaps as soon as the next two weeks. I also want to open a competition for a name for our weekly communication by email. Whoever wins gets a free lunch with me! Let those creative juices flow!

Finally, as a long time interim I am clear that besides working for Christ, and you, I am working for your next rector. This means that I will always be asking you to be clear about what are the treasures of Grace Church, and what Christ is calling you to do, and who Christ is calling you to be in light of that search and call process. We have grace-filled time ahead to grow together in anticipation of your next chapter. I am looking forward to serving you in companionship with your deacon Mimi+ and you priest associate Father Banji in the days ahead.

God’s peace and keeping,

Mary+