My husband and I are preparing to go on
vacation and, as any of will testify to, it is a mixed blessing. I enjoy our
time at the cabin in Michigan and I enjoy the fix-it projects we have
waiting for us. But, it is difficult to leave for a month knowing that my
desk will be filled with work I was not able to finish before I left and new
things will be waiting for me. All Saints’ is a busy place – the pace suits
me – even during the summer it is a thriving place. This summer has been
particularly interesting as we head into the last quarter of the search
process. The transition is getting tiresome and the changes seem to never
end. Staff and congregation wonder what will be next in our life together.
As is often the case in parish transitions, staff often take this time to
re-evaluate their positions and are aware that this time is a good time to
look at other opportunities.
Beverly Williams has decided to return to work full time with CREATE. This
is a wonderful opportunity for Beverly, although we will miss her and her
expertise that she has so graciously given to All Saints.’ Yet, God is good
to All Saints’ and we have hired a new bookkeeper who will begin Wednesday,
July 09, 2008. Tracy Presley has worked as staff accountant, accountant, and
assistant controller and worked as a consultant throughout her career. She
is a CPA and has earned an Associate degree in Accountancy from Northeast
Mississippi Community College and a Bachelor of Accountancy from University
of Mississippi. Please be aware that during this time of transition we will
make some mistakes. Please check your statements and church budgets and help
Tracy orient herself to our particular way of doing things. A friendly call
or stop-in will be so helpful to all of us.
Debra Atkinson (director of music) and I have
been looking at the Organist position since Ben Orr left in May. We have
listed the organist position with the American Guild of Organist for two
months and contacted churches and organists in the area. We have not had any
applications or signs of interest in the position. Church organists are a
rare breed and becoming scarcer every day. Debra, being an accomplished
organist herself, has toyed with the idea of trying to combine the position
of organist/choirmaster. The problem has been our church architecture and
choir arrangement. Because of the location of the organ the choir is unable
to see the organist if she were to direct the choir. With a little creative
thought we believe we may have remedied this situation and Debra will be
trying to play the organ and direct the choir for the next few months to see
how this works out.
Other good news at All Saints’ has been the generous gift on the part of a
few individuals and families to complete the renovation of the chapel and
make it handicapped accessible. With the gift of money, lumber and time from
volunteers we hope to have the project finished by the time the new rector
arrives. This will enable us to hold small services (mid-week, funerals,
weddings, etc) in the chapel which is more efficient and a more intimate
setting. We are hoping that the gifts will, also, cover the repair that
needs to be done around the stained glass windows of the chapel.
Our work on the history project continues and we will be excited to share
the ‘end product’ with the entire parish and guests on Wednesday, September
24th. Mark the date on your calendar now!
As we are in and out during the summer it may be easy to forget our
commitments, responsibilities and privileges at All Saints’. Our parish life
continues to be just as active during the summer as the fall, winter and
spring. Please continue your financial offering during the summer and if you
have fallen behind – make every effort to catch up. We will be having
potential rectors look at our general giving as a sign of health and
vitality and we need to give an accurate picture of our parish.
As they say in Michigan: See yuse guys!
--Mother LaRae+
