I am so grateful to all who attended the Annual Meeting last Sunday, and I hope if you missed it you’ll take a little time to either read the Annual Report or listen to my address. I am especially grateful for the four retiring Vestry members who served so faithfully and generously these past three years – George Banitch, Susan Fisk, Jonathan Maedche, and Sr. Warden Liz Kerner – and for the two Tau Cross and Crown recipients, Anne Schmidt and Chris Ayres. I have never known a church with more faithful, intelligent, committed leaders as we have at Transfiguration, and it brings me great joy to be able to thank and celebrate them.
This weekend we will continue the act of celebrating faithful leaders by honoring Ellen Dingwall, who is retiring after 20 years on the staff. Ellen leaves a deep and lasting impression on our church, having worked with formation, welcoming ministries, and outreach, and we are unquestionably more Christlike as a congregation because of her efforts. There will be a big party in her honor between services in Roper Hall, and I very much hope you’ll choose to attend. Gifts are invited toward a “purse” we’re collecting for her (write “Ellen Purse” in the memo line of checks, or on the outside of an envelope if you drop it in the offering plate), or you can give her your gift directly along with a note of gratitude and affection.
I am well aware that it will take many people to replace Ellen Dingwall, and as we aren’t able to replace her on the staff, that will mean we have an even greater need than ever for volunteers! In particular, I invite you to consider becoming one of our greeters on the Welcoming Ministry, to help us warmly greet each and every person who walks through our doors on Saturdays and Sundays. One of Ellen’s greatest legacies is the way hundreds, or even thousands, of visitors these past two decades have been lovingly welcomed on their first visit. We want to build on Ellen’s great foundation, and continue to help welcome and connect guests with ways to grow their faith. If you would like to volunteer, please get in touch with Deacon Shea Gilliland or Bill Edwards.
See you this weekend, friends.
-Casey+
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