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Dear ones,
It is with joy and sadness that I write to share the news that I have accepted a
call to serve as rector of St. Paul’s Rock Creek Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.
My last Sunday at Trinity will be August 4th.
I am profoundly grateful that we have shared this journey together, and my heart
is overflowing with gratitude to you and for you. These last three and a half years have been a blessing for me.
I will remember the delight of being together (in lawn chairs) for our first COVID-
19 outdoor Easter celebration. I will remember bible studies and Episcopal 101 classes, Zoom meetings and sharing coffee in Barber Hall. I will remember watching new acolytes bravely testing out their skills and discovering that it’s fun to be part of worship.
I will remember listening to vestry announcements (particularly when Lectio Divina is involved). I will remember roasting s’mores around the fire pit, and glorious worship music provided by the choir and Michael Cooper-Smyth. I will remember going to the hospital to pray with those recovering from procedures and gathering with family for prayers at the time of death. I will remember the outreach folks being blessed by the people they were serving. I love remembering the little ones ringing the gong when we reached a milestone at Rise Against Hunger, and the quiet ministry of donating blood for the Red Cross. I will remember that Emmy Louise, Pippin and Butterbean are the real stars of morning prayer and the sleepy faithful who show up daily to say prayers together. I will remember the wonder of our library coming into being and the great holiday readings and plays we have had.
I will remember your hands, extended to receive the body of Christ at the altar, and the joy of ringing bells on Easter morning.
Most of all, I will remember your faces as we recognized Christ in one another. I am filled with gratitude for my time here. For the many folks who have served in leadership roles, thank you. I’m deeply thankful for all our talented staff members. I want to say a special thanks to Michele Brantley. Dear one, you are a blessing to me and to this parish. Our lives are better for having you in our midst.
I’m excited about the next phase of my ministry and deeply conscious that each of you has helped prepare me for the next season of the journey. I give thanks for my time here. I will keep you in my prayers as we prepare to say goodbye.
Love,
Mother Cynthia McKenna+
Rector
Dear Trinitarians,
On behalf of the Vestry and congregation, I want to offer our sincere thanks to The
Reverend Cynthia McKenna for her ministry with us at Trinity. Cynthia leaves the parish stronger than it was when she arrived. We have wonderful lay leadership and a strong vestry. We will miss Cynthia’s presence among us, and our ministries continue after she leaves.
On Monday, your vestry will meet with The Reverend Shirley Smith-Graham to talk about our next steps. Shirley is currently serving the Diocese of Virginia as Transition Minister and soon to be Congregational Vitality Minister. Both Bishop Stevenson and Rev. Smith-Graham have pledged their support for Trinity as we continue our journey of love and hope in Fredericksburg.
Please keep Cynthia in your prayers as she continues her journey. I know you join me in wishing her the very best in ministry and in life.
Val Folden
Senior Warden
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