New Ways to Connect in Community and Reflections on the Summer

We had a full and beautiful summer here at St. Mark's. One highlight was the incredible residency our choir had at Salisbury Cathedral and St. Paul's, London, under the direction of Jon Johnson. It was a transformative experience for all who participated. Choir members will continue sharing their reflections from that time this Sunday morning at 9:15 in Gish Hall. We hope you will come! The amount of preparation and work that goes into a pilgrimage cannot be underestimated, and the parish's support has been palpable.

As in past summers, we enjoyed breakfast between the 8:30 and 10:30 services as well as the opportunity to get to know one another better. Hearing our own parishioners tell us about how they live their Christian vocation in their daily lives has been a gift, so thank you to all who volunteered. Special thanks to James Dennis, O.P., who served as our facilitator.

Our stewardship committee has already begun its work for the coming year so that we continue to engage with our Rooted in Christ-Living Generously theme, and our vestry continues discerning the insights from last year's Rooted in Christ gatherings.

One clear theme is that we want to know one another at deeper levels in community. Those connections are often forged in small groups. Be on the lookout later this week for a special email with the opportunity to sign up for new opportunities in the coming year and share other interests you might have. Join us for the Ministry Fair on Homecoming Sunday, 9:15 a.m., Aug. 30, where you'll find information on the best ways to connect with existing and new ministries. We will also unveil an online directory for the parish so you can more easily connect with one another. This Sunday we bless backpacks during 10:30 worship as our children and teachers return to school.

We continue looking for our third clergy person to round out our staff. As I mentioned to many, there is a real shortage of clergy in the Episcopal Church at this time. Retirements are far exceeding those graduating from seminary. We interviewed some excellent candidates but haven't found the best fit for this season at St. Mark's. I'm willing to wait for the right candidate and give thanks for our staff and those who help us in the interim. I know St. Mark's is a parish that will attract a highly qualified person to serve with us.

In the meantime, I want to acknowledge the Rev. Ann Benton Fraser, her many years of ordained experience and the leadership and additional responsibilities she's assumed during this period. So, I promoted her to Vice Rector. This means she has full authority when I am not available and can make all decisions of the Rector in my absence. These responsibilities will continue once we hire a third priest.

I am always energized as we prepare to resume our program year schedule. I hope you will make community life a priority. Whether it's gathering for dinner on a Wednesday night or serving in a new way, there are countless ways to be part of this community. Peace, Beth +