Amidst the usual comings and goings of summer travels and seasonal routines, I am particularly struck this week by the many ways that our changing staff here at Covenant has shifted with agility, love and wide welcome over the past few weeks. On July 15th, we bade farewell to Ashley Anderson who served so well as Sabbatical Supply Pastor. On July 27th, our faithful Building Manager and Parish Administrator Ben Crosby concluded his time with us as he begins graduate studies at Yale Divinity School. These two dear colleagues have been beacons of dedication, inspiration, compassion, and joy through their time at Covenant and in turn, each one has shared their gratitude that indeed, Covenant is a place of amazing faith, community, and vibrancy. There are so many ways in which I'm reminded of what a special community we have here at Covenant but it has been in the reflections of these colleagues as they prepared to depart who felt so buoyed and inspired by all of you that I have lately been reminded of the uniqueness of this place.

As we move into the future, I am delighted and excited by those who are joining our team: Bill Brown is beginning as Temporary Building Manager (through at least mid-October) and our own Nancy Stockford is generously volunteering her skills and time to assist with some of the administrative work of the church for the next few weeks. Ben will also continue some of the administrative work from New Haven as we discern our administrative staffing moving forward. Thank you to all (Personnel Committee, our amazing treasurer Faith Perry, our Council, and continuing staff) who have been so key in this time of transition and a thank you in advance to ALL for your patience as we adjust to new routines and structures. 

By the time you read this letter, I will also be in the midst of a small journey of my own: From July 29 - August 7, I am participating in a Boston clergy delegation to the Holy Land through our GBIO partner, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Boston. This clergy delegation is a long-time annual Boston tradition (I believe this is the 10th delegation!) and it is a true honor to journey with local clergy colleagues on what I know will be not only a spiritual pilgrimage to the land where Jesus walked, but also as a witness to the realities in both Palestine and Israel. I will be eager to share reflections, wonderings, and stories with our community upon return and one initial invitation is to come to a conversation on Sunday, August 12, from 12- 1 pm in the Williams Library to hear about the experiences in the Holy Land with Covenant member Tom Reid (who will have returned from the summer there) and me (who will have just returned from the delegation). 

In the meantime, my prayers for peaceful moments, rejuvenating journeys, and moments where you feel the depth of God's love and presence are with each of you.