From the Rector

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a three-part series by Fr Robert introducing staff changes and the impact on programs.

Dear Friends in Christ,

No small number of changes have occurred the last year and a half or so. Some are unwelcome and others are welcome. 

Father Peter Helman

Even amid so many changes and transitions, I am deeply grateful for the continuing ministry of prayer and presence of Fr Peter, our Parochial Vicar. Some people ask what that title means. There are two parts.

The first part is the word “parochial.” In the Greek New Testament, the word paroikia means "temporary residence." (It's from the Greek word for "stranger" - paroikos.) Early Christians used this designation for their colonies because they considered heaven their real home. But temporary or not, these Christian colonies became more organized as time went on. Thus, in Late Latin, parochia became the designation for a group of Christians in a given area under the leadership of one pastor—what we came to call a parish in the 14th century.

A parish is a distinct thing—it is an outpost of Heaven amidst things that are passing away. It is a sign of the love God bears for the world and her people. It is a place set aside by worship, prayer, and care. This is its true work as it carries out the vocation of making citizens for the Kingdom. Fr Peter’s work is the heart of parish life. He oversees the worship, pastoral care, and prayer life of the parish—he maintains that which is always at the heart of our life together. Any of you who have sought his counsel, prayer, or consolation know the depth of faith and love he brings to it.

The second part of the title is the word “vicar.” A vicar is one who carries out work in the name of another. In this way, Fr Peter carries out this work on behalf of the Rector and his oversight is an extension of my own ministry. Because he is someone whose faith and love I trust, his title conveys a pastoral responsibility that reflects that trust. Fr Peter guides the core work of the parish, day to day, with my every thanks and faith.

Mother Taylor Devine

One of the welcome changes we all give thanks for has been the birth of Hannah to Charlie and Mtr Taylor. Of course, this has brought a new perspective on parenting and children’s ministry to their household!

With the departure of Fr Mark, we find ourselves at a transition point in children, youth, and family ministries. We also, I think, find ourselves with some unique opportunities to bring folks of all generations together for service, formation, worship, and more. We also have seen Beloved in the Desert continue to grow and bring young adults into life in the church even as they serve in the wider community.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mtr Taylor as Saint Philip’s Associate for Intergenerational Ministries. This role will be one that oversees the development of our children, youth, and family ministries and also helps guide the work of Beloved in the Desert. An additional component will be a newly forming ministry focused on ensuring service with and by elders in our community.

A particular focus will be on ensuring connections across generations and the development of opportunities for folks to pray, serve, and worship alongside one another. There are so many ways, in a community blessed with diversity across ages, for us to grow in deeper relationship with Christ together. The Church is a unique place in our communities where people of all ages can gather and grow as one body, sharing one faith, with our shared hope in God’s call.

Mother Mary Trainor

With the departure of Lois Britton, we had to make some choices about the financial and business administration of the parish. We chose to welcome a new professional operation, a company called Your Part Time Controller, to administer the financial operations of the parish. They partner with Anthea McCarty, Saint Philip’s bookkeeper; our treasurer, Herb Burton; and, Mtr Mary to ensure the transparency and security of our financial operations.

Mtr Mary brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Business Administrator. The day-to-day office operations fall in her portfolio. It is a varied role that involves a bit of everything from finances to technology to overseeing the work of sextons and the facility manager. She brings a priest’s understanding of the pastoral nature of all of that work—and she brings a business professional’s understanding of how that work can be done most efficiently.

You’ll see her experience coming to bear, for example, in our developing relationship with the new school that is starting in place of the Beginning School. We found out in August that school would close. In September, we had a new partner. By the end of October, a new lease agreement and arrangements had been negotiated. Mary’s professionalism, experience, and attention to detail made that rapid shift possible.

Conclusion

We have sought, this year, with the departure of Lois, Mtr Kelli, and Fr Mark, to streamline operations as much as possible. I do not believe this current staff number is a long-term staffing level—but given the uncertainties of COVID-19, the closure of the Beginning School, and the general unsettledness of life these days, it seemed best to operate as conservatively as possible. Even while doing so, we have seen staff members like Myron Molzen and Kiki Cheney take on new responsibilities. Next week, I will write a bit more about those transitions and what we might expect in the months ahead as these transitions continue.

I’m immensely proud of the work of the staff during COVID. In some ways, what we’re doing now is harder. My prayer, one I know so many of you share, is to see as quick a return to “normal” as possible. Even as we make that return, I hope we won’t miss the opportunities ahead of us to develop new gifts, shepherd new ministries, strengthen long standing ones, reimagine ones that need fresh perspective, and most of all, continue to seek the will of Christ in all that we do.

Thank you, as we head into our stewardship ingathering, for the ways your support has been stalwart and faithful. Thank you for giving us the chance to serve in new ways and for ensuring the resources necessary to care for so many in this strange and challenging time.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Robert