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January 27, 2007

Vestry Message for February

Exciting times at Trinity! By now you know that Fr. Mike Spillane will be coming to us in March as our 16th rector. You'll hear lots about Fr. Mike and from Fr. Mike in the coming months, but February is our time to reflect on what’s happened in the last year.

Interim periods are never easy; just when the parish is adrift and without moorings, the workload and the risks go up dramatically. That's why there are people like Anne Jensen, who have made Interim Leadership their special ministry. In addition to filling the role of pastor and worship leader, Anne has provided good counsel to the staff, Vestry, and New Rector Search Committee, and has helped us to pass through these tough times and emerge a stronger community. We will celebrate her service and give thanks for her gifts on the last Sunday of this month, February 25.

In this demanding time the staff and the lay commission leaders of Trinity have stepped up to carry a greater load. By juggling assignments, filling-in on short notice, improvising when necessary, and just taking on whatever came up, they've kept our worship services and our many ministries going, and going well. Their performance gives credit to themselves and to the parish.

Also a conspicuous credit to our parish, the New Rector Search Committee took on a difficult task and handled it with style and skill. They created a Parish Profile, clearly expressing the joy in our community, that has set a standard for all parishes. They conducted their work with a commitment and spiritual grounding that impressed many, and played a crucial role in attracting so many strong candidates. Throughout the Episcopal Church, knowledgeable observers have labeled Trinity, "a parish poised to take off." Seek out the members of this hard-working team and express your appreciation.

Lastly, let's reflect on the commitment and courage the whole parish has demonstrated throughout the interim, when together we faced an unknown future, and some difficult decisions. The support of the parishioners, from the town hall meetings to small words of encouragement at coffee hour, has sustained your Vestry and New Rector Search Committee, and has been the vital foundation for our successful result. The Stewardship Committee called us to express the Joy! of Trinity Parish, and the people of the parish demonstrated their optimism in their strong response, an important affirmation.

We ended 2006 miles ahead of where we began it. For your Vestry, the December meeting was a distinct high-point, when we unanimously elected to call Fr. Mike, a reflection of our positive momentum heading into 2007. There is a great year before us, but let us devote some time first to give bountiful thanks for the great year behind us. Thanks be to God!

Peter Bostock and Jay Dean, Co-Senior Wardens