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+
