From the Rector's Warden - 4/28

Over the past couple months, I have been working with our Rector Jarrett Kerbel and the St. Martin's staff to prepare for Jarrett's leave on May 15th. As the Rector's Warden assumes the administrative functions when the Rector leaves until a new one is installed, I am taking crash courses with our Director of Music (Tyrone), Children and Youth Minister (Anne Alexis), Associate for Communications and Administration (Maya), Accountants (H&S), Sexton (James), Deacon (Carol), Office Associate (Noor) and our Liturgical Minister (Connie) in their roles and responsibilities. In addition to great competence, they have each shown openness, grace, and generosity of spirit as they work together cohesively and harmoniously. They share your concerns as the vestry leads our transition. And each person is ready, willing, and able to offer and/or guide you to pastoral care. Our pastoral care will continue with various pastoral caregivers from our pews, our Stephen Ministry, and nearby Pastors and caregivers. A complete list will be announced soon.

As a reminder, the first step in the Episcopal Church process for transition includes celebration on May 15th of our current Rector, recognizing joyfully the gifts he has brought to St. Martin's, how he has touched our souls and brought us closer to Jesus in our faith and actions. Working with Supply Priests over the summer, searching for and hiring an Interim Priest, establishing a Discernment and Search Committee for a Rector, and hiring a Rector is a lengthy and thoughtful period that gives us the opportunity to reflect on and assess who we are as a church today—and explore where our journey with God is taking us. Our foundation and church are strong and we have wonderful lay leaders and members who share the same openness, grace, and generosity of spirit as the staff.

Meanwhile, the vestry remains here for you and available to respond to your questions and concerns. As we respond, we are also documenting your concerns so that we can publish an FAQ and Answers(!) as we move through the phases of transition.

Please, let me or any vestry member know if you have any questions. My email is [email protected] and my phone is 917-687-5298. I'd love to hear from you.

In gratitude,

Barbara