St. Margaret's Episcopal Church

FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Friends,

We have a lot of celebrating to do!

First, we need to celebrate the work of your Discernment Committee.   Over many months they faithfully carried out the charge given to them by the Vestry to identify a final candidate to be the next Rector of St. Margaret's.  They were able to fulfill this charge through their love for, and dedication to, St. Margaret's.  They were also able to bring their work to successful completion because you gave them your full trust and support.  You have prayed for them and for the candidates throughout this discernment process.  You contributed your thoughts and hopes for St. Margaret's future and for her next Rector with great honesty and passion.  Because you did this, Nan Cobbey was able to draw upon her gifts and experience as a writer to produce a profile that is an extraordinarily transparent expression of both St. Margaret's and the Belfast area.  At every step in this lengthy process you recognized and trusted in the presence and participation of God's Holy Spirit.  And finally, the Vestry - having charged the Discernment Committee with this important task - stayed out of the process until the Committee was ready to present their final candidate.  There was no meddling or manipulating, no "parking lot conversations" or mid-night telephone calls.  The Vestry trusted the Discernment Committee, you, and God to ultimately identify your next Rector.  All of you, together and with God's help, have come through this transition time with great integrity.  Because of this, you can trust that the integrity of this call will lead to more celebrations in the future as you go forward together in life and ministry with your new Rector.

I am not yet sure when my last day as your Interim Priest will be.  I do know that I will finish my work with you about a month before your new Rector begins her work here.  So we will have a celebration together in thanksgiving for all that God has done in our lives during these past months.  We will celebrate, give thanks, and honor our time together by saying a good "good bye" to one another.  This is important in part because it will allow you to welcome your new Rector whole-heartedly.

And finally, there will be many wonderful celebrations in a variety of forms with the arrival of your new Rector.  Summer is a good time to be in Maine - and a good time to celebrate!  Be watching for details coming your way soon!

In Peace,

Ann+