Rev. Rachel Returns from Sabbatical

Returning from sabbatical can be a bit like playing Let's Make a Deal, and you have no idea what you are going to find behind the door you have chosen. However, as I walked through the church doors I found that I had won the equivalent of the grand prize cruise, with a car, with a new oven. (For those of you who grew up on the classic game shows this will make sense, for others, it was just the best it could be). As I met with our Senior Warden, the clergy, the staff and the Vestry all within the first few days, it was clear to me that everyone took amazing care of the church in my absence.

There truly are not words to express my thanks for Jack Tedford our senior warden. I knew he would be steady and non-anxious in my absence. And I had no idea we would be at the middle of an argument between community members and the city. However, Jack went so far and beyond what I could hope for or expect. I don't know how he did it with a full time job. He led Vestry meetings, met with clergy regularly, met with city folk as our rental properties were discussed, met with locals and clergy to strategize, and so much more. I could go on for quite some time waxing poetic about what a fantabulous job Jack did to support all of us the past three months.

Thank you to the clergy and staff who made sure that it was smooth sailing for everyone through the summer. Through funerals, VBS, beach church and more, they were present, ahead of the game, kind, pastoral, to say nothing about their ability to be wise and responsive. Thank you to the Vestry for making hard decisions on behalf of the parish. Everyone's dedication to our mission and ministry, to serve others as a sign of God's love, is plain for all to see. Thank you for the bottom of my heart.

As many of you know by now, my sabbatical ended up being an extended family leave. Thank you to everyone who emailed, sent a card, or have come up to me since my return. This time away was not what I expected (more like choosing the door that has a twenty mile, straight up the mountain, kind of hike). Yet, knowing the church was well cared for allowed me to turn my attention to my family and help them stabilize in the face of unexpected death.

I look forward to catching up with all of you more in the weeks to come. We have a BUSY calendar this fall. I hope to see you all many, many times in the months to come.

Peace,

Rachel+