Now that Lorna has followed God’s call to Philadelphia, what happens next here at St. Andrew’s? That is a very important question, one that the Vestry is prayerfully addressing. As you no doubt have noticed, the lay of the land here at St. Andrew’s has changed since we called Lorna: the school has closed, and we have begun using our building as a multipurpose outreach facility. With the Engaging the Climb Team, we have started exploring new ways of being church. Meanwhile, many things have not changed: our commitment to serving God; our ongoing Sunday morning worship; our provision of pastoral care to those in need; our ministries to children and youth; our outreach in our community and beyond.

Over the next few months, the Vestry’s task is to discern and clarify the nature and shape of the position(s) we hope to fill: part-time or full-time? Clergy or lay? Responsible for children and youth; pastoral care; and /or outreach facility leadership and management? Or some other combination?

While the Vestry is engaged in the holy task of discernment, we as a congregation are blessed with gifted, faithful parishioners who are stepping forward to fill in gaps created by Lorna’s departure. Raven Cadena and Nick Clark are running the EYC. Liz Rous, Allie Wittkamp, and Karen Waddill are taking the lead with Children’s Chapel. Our talented staff are graciously taking on additional responsibilities, such as overseeing the Safe Church Training implementation. The Rev. Carol Chamberlain, Travis Greenman, John Herbst, and Jason Knudeson have volunteered to help with worship services. In addition to our hardworking Pastoral Care Team, the Rev. Bruce Cheney is helping Anne with hospital and homebound visits. Please take time to thank these folks. We are very blessed.

This in-between time is challenging, but it is also a gift: an opportunity for us to pause and take a clear-eyed view at our current circumstances, vision, and needs – and then to act accordingly. Faithful discernment takes prayer and time. I as for your prayers for the Vestry in our work of discernment; for our parish in this time of transition and listening; and for all who so generously lead and serve in this place. may God bless and guide us.

Faithfully,
Anne+