“Everybody wants a revolution, but nobody wants to do the dishes.” – Dorothy Day
Dear Friends,
This week, I’m in Kansas City at the Episcopal Parish Network conference, reconnecting with colleagues and learning about ministry with marginalized communities, adaptive leadership, and capital fundraising. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe is here, sharing his vision for transformation in The Episcopal Church. And, as always, the backdrop to our conversations is the immense upheaval and uncertainty in our country and beyond.
Meanwhile, I’m here learning how to “do the dishes” while a thousand urgent matters demand attention. But throughout St. Michael’s, so many of us are redoubling efforts to listen, plan, and respond to the evolving needs of our parish, our diverse peoples, and our neighbors.
The weight of these times is undeniable. We are inundated with terrifying, infuriating news, yet we continue the faithful work of our community. Many leaders and groups at St. Michael’s are deeply engaged:
• IWC is working on rapid response, education, advocacy, and safety.
• The new Safety & Security group is defining private spaces, coordinating neighborhood watch during the 1:00 service, and improving usher communication.
• Vestry is reimagining the greeter role as “Vestry Person of the Day” to be on point with the rector on Sundays, support ushers, assist at the courtyard entrance, and build relationships in the community.
• Parents & Families recently gathered with Leslie, Lenia, and me to share how our kids and youth are being impacted and how we can better support them. We are learning and responding. Other groups are also being invited into similarly brave spaces.
• The Vision & Strategy Committee is processing our last congregational event and preparing for our next one on May 4.
• The Personnel Committee is supporting my search for an Associate Rector and an Administrative Assistant, with interviews in progress.
This work is happening, and there is room for you to get more involved. I’d love to talk with you in person about how you can be involved. We are in difficult days, for sure; and we continue to engage faithfully the work that is ours to do. I am learning, adapting, and persisting with you.
In peace,
The Rev. R. Scott Painter, Rector
Email: scottp@stmaa.org
