Dear St. Michael’s community,

The Rev. Julia Nielsen and I will be sharing interim clergy leadership at St. Michael’s. As Interim Rector for Worship and Pastoral Care, I will be working with Hannah, Brian and Julia to plan Sunday liturgies; and I’ll work with Marla McGarry-Lawrence and others to see that lay eucharistic visitors are helping home-bound folks to stay connected with their worshipping community and make sure that pastoral care is offered anyone in need. I look forward to reconnecting with those I have known for a long time as well as those who have joined the parish since I served on staff here.

Congregations during interims—the time between rectors—experience wide-ranging emotions, like grief and confusion. Some people love change and others, not so much. But, here we are, a community that must focus some of its energy and talent toward a discernment process. That success of the process will depend on members engaging with it. Keep the transition committees in your prayers.

The Rev. Sherman Hesselgrave