Transition Updates- October 2023

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” – Oscar Wilde

Happy October! For our agricultural ancestors, October was all about the intense labor of bringing in the harvest and storing and preserving the food that would sustain life through the winter. For our church community, October brings the labor as well as the joy of the pumpkin patch. This year, October also continues the hard work of our Rector search. That hard work is not only in the time it requires, and extra tasks to be dealt with in the absence of a Rector, but also for the emotional weight that has been brought to bear on us all. It is in turn, inspiring, exciting, overwhelming and disconcerting. Various committees have already begun working to plan everything from social gatherings to resuming LEMS. The Vestry is in the process of vetting the Interim candidates from the Diocese and embarking on a search committee. All the while a strong core of individuals have stepped up to take care of the everyday business of Christ Church.

On behalf of the Vestry I want to thank all of those individuals who continue to work to sustain our Church community. Out of both respect for that work and concern for that community, I ask that you consider what you can do to assist with the work load. There is no help or amount of time that is too small and no task that is unimportant. Readers, ushers, counters, pumpkin unloaders and sellers, coffee service, choir, weed-pullers, vestry members, card-makers, dishwashers, altar guild, hospitality, etc. It is all necessary and generates the energy that fills our Church home. That energy cannot be sustained by a few overtaxed people. Conversely, that energy, when supported by many, can’t help but push outward and enhance our Rector search process. So please add to that energy and answer the call to the best of your ability when it goes out. And come see us in-person in Church. Your presence for the passing of the peace, singing hymns and reciting prayers is a wonderful source of energy. Oh, and sign up to sell pumpkins. And buy pumpkins. And tell your friends to buy pumpkins. October really is all about the pumpkins!

Sharon Cotter, Rector’s Warden