Our Work is Done

Last night, the Search Committee presented to the Vestry its choice for the next rector of my church. Ten month's work is done.

It was a difficult, enlightening, fascinating, and rewarding job. I learned a tremendous amount about my church, my fellow parishioners, the lives and careers of clergy, the dynamics of group decision-making, and the action of the Holy Spirit teaching us which way to go. I am now even more deeply embedded in the life of my community.

I am confident that we have chosen ~ or rather been led to choose ~ wisely and well. The person the Vestry will call (Bishoply permission granted) represents a different leadership style from one the parish has been accustomed to: a style more of quiet confidence than external flair. New adventures await us as we grow together in the future. Some people won't like the changes (maybe I'll even turn out to be one of them, who know?), others will be newly drawn in.

Through circumstances beyond our control (aren't they all?), we have been in a holding pattern as a community for a long time. That's not going to be true anymore, and it will be interesting to see how we and our new rector are transformed in the process.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served in this capacity. It was an invaluable experience; I hope I contributed half as much as I received.

I also intend not to volunteer for a single other thing for the rest of year.