What a beautiful reminder as we begin a brand new year! I have always loved this portion of scripture. As a person who has not always had the gift of embracing change easily, it serves as a reminder that no matter the situation at hand, God is in a constant process of making all things new. Truly a hope that springs eternal!
In November of 2016, when Pastor Karen asked if I would serve as the Senior Warden to Vestry, I readily said, "sure." I was already present at vestry meetings and assisting her in a number of other areas; the idea of taking on this role felt like it was more in title than in workload or additional responsibility. Little did I know of the changes that were on the horizon!
Through the two years that have passed since that time, I have repeatedly been amazed at the experience of - just when the idea of the change was beginning to feel overwhelming - I would somehow take note of something new springing up, a new path being made, and I would remember to come back to whatever was present in that moment. What a funny thing our God does in helping us to remember that light always follows the darkness.
This is the last newsletter article I will write as Senior Warden (for at least a few years) as my term on vestry comes to an end. And while the experiences, joys, and challenges have been many, there are a few lessons that have stood out to me above others:
1)
Change happens. Whether change is easy or difficult for you personally, it requires a certain level of adaptation on all sides. I have experienced repeated gratitude after witnessing how well we have worked during these times of change by remaining flexible and willing to be present to the challenges faced; our own and those of others.
2)
Transparency is essential. A willingness to work with the new and remain flexible seems much more present when people understand what is going on and why. One of the first things I decided as Senior Warden was that the Vestry needed to remain absolutely transparent about everything possible (with the exception of protecting candidate's privacy). I am proud that this was true! I believe that it was a factor in the relative ease in which we came through our interim period; particularly at the end with no Priest at hand.
3)
How we communicate matters. Mature, clear communication that can address joys, concerns, and both hard and easier truths helps us to maintain the respect we have grown together. When delivered with love and received with openness our words can transform ourselves and others.
4)
Love is the highest expression Christ's presence among us. "Beloved. Let us love one another, for he who loves is born of God and knows God." Anyone who has spent any time with the parishioners of Trinity knows what it feels like to be in God's midst because of our love for one another.
In closing, I want to say that I have so appreciated being your Senior Warden the past two years. The way our church has operated has been, in my estimation, phenomenal and I am excited to see what God has in store for us. While I am truthfully a bit excited about having a bit of a break, I am equally challenged about the idea of letting go. However, letting go is essential in order for new ways to begin. This is not to say that I intend to back away from leadership and ministry, only that I am open to receiving the new ways in which I am called.
I hope you join me in this openness and willingness to serve as you are called. God is doing new things among us and our ability to perceive these new things and put them into action is the response we can offer to our God.
Peace and Love,
Margaret
