1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
I have not ceased to be amazed by how love has sustained us over the past year as we have moved from having a full time Rector, to a part-time interim, and for the last month, to simply having supply Priests on Sundays.
While it is clear that having a Priest is important. What is also clear is that having love is essential. And that love has been apparent in all that we do, how we communicate, and how we care. Our love of God, God's love of us, and our love for one another are what make Trinity Church what it is!
We have been gifted over the last several weeks with a variety of guest Priests who have offered a variety of sermon styles and various types of support and encouragement during this time of flux.
As I reflected over this last year with a visiting Priest, he asked about what had changed during the year as we adjusted to having a part-time interim versus a full-time Rector. I told him that the biggest change, as far as I could see, is that parishioners have really needed to step up and help, and that people have needed to be very clear about their own needs so that others know how to help - in both cases the need for communication has been the absolute key.
When he asked how that had been going I answered based on what I have seen, which includes these things:
1) Everyone who has had a need and made it known has received assistance. This includes everything from transportation, assistance with moving, and visits.
2) Bible study has continued, albeit with the same small group. The discussions are interesting and are often very impactful.
3) Weekly book studies have been ongoing and always bring about interesting discussions and insights.
4) Food has been gathered and distributed to the hungry through weekly offerings, the annual food drive, and the renewed intention to once again become the "tuna church" for the food bank.
5) Your vestry continues to meet regularly and with excellent communication and great respect for one another, has been able to address all topics of concern and business by keeping our eyes on the mission, keeping our hearts open to hearing God's movement, and keeping our thoughts on the ways we can best serve our beloved church family.
6) Volunteers continue to represent Trinity at the Interfaith Thrift Store, Food Bank, Break Bread with Friends, and the County Task Force on Homelessness.
6) There have continued to be Vigils, demonstrations, social events, hikes, discussions, and more...
Ultimately, what I told the supply Priest was that I have been full of gratitude and awed by the way our community has continued to place love of God and one another at the forefront of all we do. And that I believe this prayer-filled love has made this a more peaceful transition than any of us could have imagined! It hasn't always been easy, but it has been so very blessed and I know that God stands with us as we continue to grow together throughout this process!
In God's Peace,
Margaret
