Dear friends,
This week, please join me once again in congratulating those among our community who were confirmed and received into the Episcopal Church last Sunday in Boston! Please pray for: Andrew Accettella, Callie Crean, Gus Dogget, Kristi Fickes, Lucas Goeldner, Ben Holtschlag, Henry McLane, Finn Moore, George Moore, Kwaku Oppong, Sadie Powers, Jack Serafini, Rob Giblin, and Mike Holtschlag. Congratulations once again, and thank you to all those who have sponsored, supported, and who accompanied our candidates to the Cathedral last weekend!
And then, just when you thought it was quiet enough to go back to sleep … I then received a phone call from Kenzie Blackwell, our Outreach Committee Chair, informing me that Free. has been afforded another $500,000 grant! Amidst all the busy-ness and joy—and challenges—of this week, I cannot think of a better way to end it. Please join me, therefore, in congratulating and giving thanks for Kenzie and her ministry, for the support of those who make this grant possible and all those who participate in and receive the outcome of this incredible ministry.
And now … it feels as though a deep breath is needed. Indeed, the weeks after Easter often feel like a time to pause and take stock. After the depth and emotion of Holy Week, followed by the celebration of Easter and in the week following—and, of course, our confirmations and renewed ministries this week!—we find ourselves in an “in-between” space. In this season, we reflect on the resurrection appearances of Jesus to the disciples and then anticipate Pentecost and the renewed gifting of the Holy Spirit. The latter festival indeed which coincides with our Summerfest celebration and therefore marking the end of our program year for 2024-25. And this is before we then even think about summer plans!
We find ourselves, then, in a time of prayer and reflection, of making space, and contemplating next steps while preparing for another busy but joyful season on the horizon. I suppose, therefore, that I want to say here how grateful I am to be sharing this time of journeying with you all. You are all in my prayers each and every day. During this busy year of transition, but an exciting new chapter for our community, there is clearly so much to be thankful for as well as a lot to prepare for. And I am excited to see where this journey leads us next …
With every prayer and blessing,
Ed.
The Rev. Edward Thornley
Rector of The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist