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Have I not entreated you as a father entreats his sons or
a mother, her daughters, or a nurse, her children, so that you should be my people and I should be your God…?
I gathered you as a hen gathers her chicks. (2 Esdras 1:30)
Dear Friends,
When I was a little girl, my father decided to raise chickens. He went out and purchased 24 little peeps (they were as cute as their name). He discovered that it was too cold to put them directly into the chicken coop, so he brought them into our house, they were caged. The little chicks sat on a table in our large kitchen. When they were bigger and it was warm enough, he would put them in the outdoor coop.
I thank you for taking this chick into your house until I was big enough with experience and other parish learnings to move to a new home. The time has come to leave this warm and gracious place and to say good-bye for now and thank you.
Each member of the parish clergy team shared generously from their experience. I learned from Fr. Henry how important it is to pay attention to the many details of the liturgy and care for the worship life of the parish. And when needed, fix a malfunctioning dish washer and then wash the dishes that were stacked up.
Mother Shivaun taught me that intergenerational gathering was more than 40 somethings talking to 70 somethings in book groups. That kids’ liturgies are fun, joyful and noisy and that’s a good thing. And maybe Sunday School could be learning for the whole family with extra help from other adults around the table.
Deacon Nancy showed me by example, and shared her experience how a person becomes a deacon in the liturgy as well as a deacon in the larger community. Over these months she has provided me with worship experience that builds confidence and poise. Something that was in short supply when I arrived in St John’s sanctuary.
Thank you, Cambria for sharing your musical talent and bringing other talented musicians to our worship. The young bell choir was inspiring and awesome in their performance.
I am grateful to each of you for your generous welcome and inclusion of me into your parish home. I have learned from you how to welcome a stranger and how to become a friend.
I am also grateful to Tammy for her help with the creation care garden and making me aware of how important communication is in a parish. Thank you, Brad and Jon, for your ready help whenever I needed anything fixed, purchased or unlocked. I now know a bit about the business side of palms and African Palms in particular, thank you Lourdes.
I am very grateful to have been welcomed and guided by your good hearts and ready support. I welcome your prayers and I invite you to my ordination on October 26, 2024.
Gratefully,
Mary Alcuin Kelly, Deacon Ordinand
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