15 February 2011
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I write to you with joy as your new Vicar! I know the journey has been long for you all; I look forward to working alongside you in ministry at St. Joseph’s.
To that end I want you to know that I will not come in and start changing things. I will spend some months getting to know you individually and as a congregation. I hope to get to know each of you: your gifts and talents, your history at St. Joseph’s and what you hope for the future at St. Joseph’s. And together we will move forward into the future.
I have begun by reading the story of the first 100 years of history of St. Joseph’s. It is clear that the people of St. Joseph’s are rooted in prayer, study and service to the community. I look forward to continuing that journey with you in our own day and time, seeing how we will be witnesses to God’s Kingdom.
You will be getting to know me over the coming days and months, but please know that I am available to you. I may do some things a little differently; if you wonder why I do a particular thing, please ask. I also will be asking many questions to learn about St. Joseph’s!
I will be taking Mondays as my Sabbath day – my own day for rest and renewal. However, if it’s a Monday and you have a pastoral emergency, please call! Since my position is half-time, I will generally be working Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. During my first months at St. Joseph’s I will be trying to meet with as many folks as possible, so I may be out of the office. If you would like to meet, please email or call me on my cell phone. I look forward to getting to know you.
I look forward to celebrating the Eucharist with you this Sunday, February 20th.
Blessings,
Karen+
