Thanks to Susan Kurtz for her extensive and extended care in leading the prayers of the Daughters of King, our "praying ladies." Throughout my time in service to this parish no matter the stripes as well and more importantly throughout the many changes in her life she has helped this parish to pray for all sorts and conditions. Close friends, friends of friends, some known and some unknown, family members, community members, specific troubles, general concerns and all kinds of celebrations has been lifted to a loving and constant God thanks to her steady hand.
Susan has claimed this time, is being intentional about her transition and will be letting go of this important role. Our responsibility is to honor her and her love of this ministry by coming together as a community and in deep discernment to find how we can move forward with as healthy and deep a focus has we have so long enjoyed.
That work will be first to be determined by the members of the Daughters of the King. Certainly we all can return some of the favor we owe them by holding them in our prayers.
Next we will move to new points of contact for the parish: myself as rector, Allison as administrator, Deacon Morehouse, Maryann Dartnell as vestry liaison, Tim Pridgen and others will have to track with each other those names and petitions that for so many years moved through Susan's ledger.
Perhaps even a larger meeting of the hearts and minds of the parish as we learn to live this new way.
All this and more is before us, it has been for a long time. That's how we as a parish have lived and will live together.
Long roads, some longer than we planned, and two way streets where we listen and share and make room for each other on this journey that is the Episcopal Church of the Advent.
My road is turning home and I'll be back late on Friday. I'm looking forward to being with you on the river and in worship and farther on down this long road.
Thanks again Susan. And thanks be to God for letting us in on your journey of prayer.
No comments:
Post a Comment