As the time of Father Chris' leaving draws closer, the Vestry and the Transition Team are busy getting ready for the period of time between Father Chris' retirement and the call to a new priest.
To date, the Vestry has made arrangements for the period of time from August 17 until the first week in Advent. Each Sunday will be taken care of by the Rev. Harry Shaeffer, the Rev. Ann Weber or the Rev. Bill Eidson. FR. Shaeffer will take most of the Sundays. Also Fr. Wollard and Deacon Marlyn will have a share of preaching and celebrating time each month. A calendar is being readied so each member of the congregation will know who will be celebrating the Eucharist each Sunday.
It is the hope of the Vestry to have an Interim priest in place by the first Sunday in Advent. This person will stay on for a year to 18 months, until a new priest is called. During the time of the interim priest, the parish will be involved in defining the type of church we are or want to become. This definition or parish profile will aid us in calling a priest who fits our parish needs. We will have help from the Diocesan office to accomplish this.
The Vestry has been told by Canon John Keydel of the Diocesan office, that the Episcopal church has identified the various periods of time needed for a parish after a beloved priest retires. There is a period of grieving after the priest leaves. This grieving process continues while the interim is here. She/he will help us move through the grief and provide the parish with stability while seeking the permanent priest. It's a long process, but one that will allow persons to express their feelings, their fears and their concerns. To that end, the Transition Team has set up a suggestion box where parishioners can write those questions, feelings and concerns and have them addressed. Please take advantage of this. The answers will be in the Bulletin and The Companion. All notes will be confidential. No one will know who expressed those feelings and concerns except the Transition Team as they seek answers for you. Actually, you don't even have to sign them, and the team will still address them in written communications to the parish. The Vestry and the Transition Team are making every effort to make this transition as smooth as possible, to support parishioners and keep programming going as it has. In fact, we feel this is a way to honor Father Chris' work at
St. Andrew's. If you have suggestions or concerns, you may also bring them directly to a Transition Team member. Members include, Carole Wollard, Charlotte Wall, George Rogers, Judy Rowcliffe, Francine Klein, John Ferris, Jr., Matt Jenkins, Mark Taylor, Marcia Bottomley and Bill Foster.
The Transition Team has set Sunday, August 3, as the date for Father Berg’s retirement party. It will be held at the Lafayette Grand beginning at 4 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. There will be a cash bar. Further information will be mailed to each household in the next weeks. Father Chris' last Sunday with us will be Aug. 10. Both days are days to celebrate, cherish memories and look ahead. We hope each of you will attend these days and let Chris know how much he has been appreciated.
Charlotte Wall on behalf of the Transition Team
St. Andrew's Mission Statement
The mission of St. Andrew's Church is to show forth powerfully the love of God in Christ, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, by means of worship, fellowship and service to all who come to us, to those whom we seek out and to one another. Corporately, we will grow in numbers and in tangible and intangible resources. Communally as well as personally, we will grow toward the full maturity of Christ.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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