Two Updates

Dear people of Grace,

I’d like to give you an update on what I and Rev. Kate Kinney are up to.  First, after Father’s Day, I will be leaving for two weeks of study leave and two weeks of vacation.   I am going to Scotland for my study leave.  I will attend a weeklong liturgy workshop at Iona, sponsored by the Wild Goose Resource Group.  They are thoughtful, creative folk, who like to explore new ways of using music, art and scripture in worship.  I look forward to their innovation and vision, and I hope it will encourage me and feed my soul as I lead worship at Grace.  Iona is a sacred, liminal space that I find rejuvenating. 

After that, I will spend time studying in Edinburgh.  I will be doing reading related to the Growing Grace initiative, thinking about church growth.  What does it mean for Grace to grow?  Staying numerically ahead of attrition, but fundamentally staying the same?  What would growth look like if we had a significant increase in our membership?  How might we make that happen?  What would need to change in our systems, our staffing and our church culture?   I’ve got several books to help me engage those questions and a nice little Airbnb that will be conducive to studying. 

For my vacation, I will take time to be with my family in Kansas and Colorado.  My own parents are at that point where they need greater assistance in navigating their lives.  I will be gathering with my sisters to help them out.  I will also spend time with an aunt and uncle that have been very important in my own spiritual growth and development.  They are both at the end of their lives;  it is time to say good-bye.  I feel both grief and peace about that.  

Finally, I have a group of college friends that stay in contact and gather every couple of years.  We will reunite in the Wisconsin Dells for a wedding and a birthday celebration.  That will be fun.  I will be back at Grace on July 26. 

During my time away, Rev. Kate Kinney will be preaching and presiding.  This will be her last time doing so at Grace.  As Kate ages, she has discerned that it is prudent for her to move closer to her family in Massachusetts.  Her last Sunday with Grace will be July 19. 

I pray for blessing upon Kate as she makes this transition.  I am sad to see her go.  I am deeply grateful for the support she has given me, and for the collaboration and collegiality that we have shared.  Her presence in our community will be missed. 

May God’s blessing be upon all these travels.

Rev. Eric