I am grateful

I am feeling very grateful today.

 

I feel so grateful to the twenty-five or so folks who stopped by the church yesterday morning to thank Larisa for her years of service to West Parish.  I feel grateful to those of you who came by with a card, a plant, some food, a small gift, or some kind words.  I feel grateful for our church that knows how to do the sacred work of appreciation, and goodbyes. (Both can be hard!)  It matters to all of us.

 

And I feel so grateful to Larisa for being a steadfast presence in my ministry these past eight years.  On days that I was grieving or confused or exhausted, she was always compassionate and encouraging.  As we navigated through the fear and unknowns of the covid years, she adapted, stayed steady, and did what was needed.  She understood the deep importance of what we do as a church.  Larisa leaves us to focus on her family, which is a good and right thing. But she will be missed.

 

And I also feel so grateful to Betsy, our former Church Administrator, who has so very graciously agreed to return!  Betsy will be with us two days a week until October 18, while we search for a new permanent Church Admin.  Betsy was a powerhouse in this position until she retired in 2017, and we are thrilled that she can fill in during this transition time.  What a blessing to have Betsy back with us!

 

So I am grateful for all of us - staff and church members - who together contribute in countless different ways to stitch together our remarkable community.  Thank you!