Dear Friends in Christ,
People will often claim that summer is the slow time in the church year. Parishioners go on vacation. Ordinary time requires less planning than Christmas or Lent Easter. And, indeed, if you come to the church building, it may seem quieter than you remember. But that quiet belies all the work that is really happening.
I want to make you aware of two important pieces of planning underway:
1. Our vestry went on retreat July 10. We are taking advantage of the freedom of movement to gather at another Grace—Grace Church in the Plains, about an hour west of Alexandria—for a day of connection, contemplation, and conversation. We all know that Grace Church faces important questions in this year. We are going to spend our time thinking about some specific issues—vestries always talk about budgets!—but also to think broadly about what this moment requires of us as individual Christians and as a parish church. As we see the other side of this pandemic, what are our priorities? What are the things we are afraid of? What are the things we hope for, and how can we cooperate with God to bring them about?
2. We are continuing to build the best staff possible. As a part of that effort, Ben Strohl will be joining us as a part-time contracted Facilities Manager. Many of you already know Ben from his full-time job as Grace Episcopal School’s Facilities Manager. Having his experience and expertise leveraged for the good of the church, as well, will be a tremendous gift to us. Many of you may be traveling or otherwise engaged during the summer. But work here continues—the long growth of the green season never stops.
Yours in Christ,
Anne+