Tina's Letter
Yesterday I was talking with Kathi, and I learned the Leadership Circle had voted unanimously to make my position here at EMUC permanent. As of January 1
st,
you are stuck with me and I couldn’t be more excited.
When I returned to the workforce, after 20 years of predominantly being a “stay at home mom”, to say I was nervous was an understatement. I know you couldn’t tell, because I put a smile on my face, and I brought out my mantra from when I was young: “fake it till you make it!”, but I worried that I wouldn’t succeed in my new role. I shouldn’t have worried. All of you have made me feel welcomed and supported since my first day here.
Sylvia, and Peter are always available to answer my many, many questions. They always have my back. Their patience, and understanding quickly gave me confidence in my role as Office and Building Administrator, to the point where I am empowered enough to try new procedures, and find my own voice. Sometimes my ideas work out, and at times I have learned the old ways are best; but the fact that I know I can try, and possibly fail without being judged is a gift.
Kathi is a dream boss. I know her door is always open, and she is there for me. I hope she knows I will always “have her back”, and I am her biggest cheerleader and supporter.
Do you realize how special EMUC is?
At a time when churches are closing, congregations are struggling and worried that they won’t be able to keep their doors open, when the quiet in their church is one of loneliness and burnout; from day one I knew what we have here at EMUC is special. There is an energy and a life here that you feel as soon as you come in those doors. Between renters like Yoga and Tai Chi, filling our parking lot and building with many seniors who are active and engaged; EMYC bringing youth volunteers in, future community leaders; Write on Q with their young students and parents; Covenant Church who has made this their worship home, and our new spring lecture series: we are an important part of not just the church community, but life right here in Mississauga!
My life is definitely NOT boring. Keeping track of our many groups and activities can be overwhelming, but it brings me joy. I love hearing the buzz of conversation, when Circle of Friends, and our Prayer Shawl groups meet. I love how the men get together off site for their social time. You have Book Club, Bridge Club, Women for Women and many other groups: life doesn’t just happen here on Sunday, but all week long. I am thankful for Georganne and Rhana, my dedicated helpers, who are in each week to fold my bulletins. I am grateful to my RAT pack for stepping up and helping with our rentals. When Peter left, it took myself, Nancy and my rental assist team to fill his shoes!
If life starts to spiral, I love to sit in our sanctuary and just breath. A calm energy enters my body, as I sit there looking around me at our beautiful sacred space. God is here in that moment, and the busyness that is the office, that is life disappears, and I return to work with renewed energy.
I work because I want to. I wake up every morning looking forward to coming here. I have been given such a gift. I have rediscovered a new energized and confident version of myself; one who has been missing these last few years, and for that I will be forever grateful. I am grateful for all of you welcoming me into your church family. I feel like I belong.
May your holidays be filled with family, laughter and love. Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Tina Driscoll
