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Sunday mornings we may look around and feel as though we are missing familiar faces and sometimes that's a fact. But we also see newer faces and that's a good thing and an evangelistic requirement. There is no denying our losses but more importantly we need to focus on our gains. I see the church family I currently worship with and conduct business with as a solid, mature family accepting our roles as children of God, tending to duties within our church, and taking responsibility for our mission statement by reaching out to our community.
The Executive Committee met regularly throughout the year to discuss issues and conduct the administrative business of the parish. Unfortunately, we experienced our losses in the persons of Charlotte Lafean, Ginny Mohr, and Elaine Waddington. We note with deep appreciation the many years of hard work and dedication they brought to the Executive table and to St. Thomas ' everywhere.
Today we recognize the people that currently serve: Tom Brath, Diane Bryan, Joan Lodge, Bruce Murphy, Joe Sommese, and Terry Taylor. Appreciation also to Tina Gunder for working for St. Thomas ' to keep straight all those decisions we make. We look forward to the election of candidates that will bring us additional strength and support.
An overview to support what I perceive to reflect our hope and our faith is as follows:
Our choir, with its losses and its gains, rarely missed a beat in providing music for our 10:00 a.m. service. Teachers, the unsung, yet faithful heroes carried on in the undercroft teaching our most precious gift, our children. Also in the undercroft, we have enjoyed fellowship through coffee hours. Fulfilled responsibility and pleasure are our rewards from interaction with hikers and guests from the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
Art shows, fish fries, basket bingo, and yard sales don't just happen. Dedicated and committed people are behind the scenes. Baskets of food, turkeys, hams, and bags of gifts don't just happen. Dedicated and committed people are behind the scenes. Building maintenance, fire safety, beautiful grounds, chapel restoration do not just happen. Dedicated and committed people are behind the scenes. Flowers and altars do not prepare themselves. And most certainly, Christmas pageants are a beautiful work of transformation by many.
This deliberate commitment is carried out by the family of St. Thomas '. And like any family there are ups and downs. We appreciate that Charles has been here to feed us, educate us, and provide pastoral care. We give thanks to the work of the search committee and encourage and support their task to find a potential new leader for our family. In the meantime, continue with me to use this time for growth, and for giving strength, support and love to one another.
I was glad when they said unto me, "We will go into the house of the Lord." Psalm 122
Everyone that we may wish were here may not always be here. But God is with us everywhere always.
Nancy Wiedbrauk
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