October 11, 2024
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Dear Friends, We’ve spoken together often about all the things that are happening right now in our life together. I want to remind you of a few things and then reflect a little on what we’re experiencing. First, so far this fall on Sunday morning Forums, we have heard about the work of and volunteer opportunities at our partner, Lamb’s Basket. We have heard from ReEstablish Richmond that works in refugee resettlement ministry about the breadth of need and the complexities of navigating the refugee relief system. We have heard from Art Conway about his life, career, and post-retirement ministry. We have heard about the Mutual Ministry Review process that the Vestry engaged to reflect on our life together and our understanding of our vision and calling for the future. This Sunday, October 13th, we will hear from Cam Oglesby about the challenges, questions, and options that families face over Elder and End-of-Life Care. Sunday, October 20th, I will present the first of a once-a-month series on Instructed Eucharist, exploring what we do in worship and why, and how we have received these traditions over time. Later this fall, we will hear from the Goddard’s about their life in the Foreign Service, from Randy Oglesby about her trip to the Holy Land, from representatives from the diocesan staff, and a presentation from CrossOver Healthcare Ministries. I hope that you will join us. Second, the Vestry has elected to convert my position from Priest-in-Charge to Rector. This decision includes a few changes, primarily that my position is “permanent,” meaning we do not need to go through a process of annual negotiation and renewal of my position. It means that I also will be compensated on a a full-time basis rather than a three-quarter time basis. My responsibilities and privileges (such as they are) remain unchanged. Third, we have signed a contract with Costen Flooring to replace the vast majority of the flooring in the building. The latest news on this is that Costen is confirming their current inventory of needed materials so that scheduling can be established. They assure us that this will be a week-long job that will not disrupt our worship life. While this was always a capital goal set of this year, an anonymous lead gift of $20,000 greatly eases the financial burden of this project. We are deeply grateful for this donor’s generosity to and appreciation of St. Bartholomew’s continued life and ministry. Fourth, this past Wednesday, we began our Healing Eucharist at noon. I invite and encourage to join us when you are available. Fifth, the Vestry and the Stewardship and Development Committee are beginning work on our end-of-year appeal and our 2025 Spending Plan. We will present to the congregation at the beginning of our pledge process for the coming year with clearly defined capital and operational goals that assume our continued growth. Finally, reflecting on all of this, your generosity of spirit and resources, your enthusiasm and commitment, your faithfulness, hospitality, and trust in God humble me. I am deeply grateful. I have asked you to think differently about how we plan and conduct our life together. I have asked you what it means for us to be a refuge and about who in our world need such a refuge if only for a season. I have asked you to cast a vision, to aspire, and to set audacious goals. You have responded in kind, which tells me that we have more potential than any of us have previously imagined. I look forward to participating with God and all of you in crafting our future. Peace, Michael |
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