Incumbent’s Report, September 1, 2021
It’s symptomatic of where we are right now that I am writing this report two days after the Parish Meeting to which it should have been submitted, because last week just kind of got away from me. After a year and a half of working at a very different rhythm than we were used to, it feels like we’re finally getting back into something a little more normal.
The summer was still less active than we would have hoped, thanks to the Delta variant. Case counts are up, and we are keeping a close eye on the statistics. All indications so far are that the vaccines are doing their job of preventing serious illness and death.
Thanks to Stacey Neale, a group was able to gather for coffee and conversation on Tuesday mornings, and Rebecca Dowd Lekx gathered our youngest members and their families for Park Church on Sunday afternoons.
During the summer, we alternated broadcasting from the church with Zooming from home, allowing the tech team time to adjust the configuration in the church building, train additional people, and prepare for the return to hybrid worship when we welcome back the in-person congregation on September 12. They still welcome new volunteers and are willing to train them!
Between the beginning of June and the end of August, funerals were held for Russ Peden, Shirley Logan, Catherine Fetherstonhaugh, Norm Wilson, and Austin Descent. The first post-pandemic wedding will take place September 18, and we will host an informal celebration of the life of George Herman on September 4.
Messy Church wrapped up in late June, and we are now determining whether we can gather in person in September. Some families will not be returning to church in person until their children can be vaccinated, so there will continue to be opportunities to gather online until everyone is able to be welcomed back safely.
Our conversations with our potential partners in the Territory of the People are on hold while they cope with the multiple crises that unfolded there this summer, including the resignation of their bishop and the fires in British Columbia.
Coming up this fall are two opportunities for learning: the Dio course on Christianity in a time of climate crisis, and the national church’s Surprised by the Spirit conversation. Please let me know if you plan to participate!
I hope to see you in church soon!
Peace,
Grace+
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