My Dear Doubters of Great Faith,
In the age of COVID-19, it is amazing how time seems to move in a completely different way. It was only January that I was making plans to come join this wonderful congregation, St. Thomas the Apostle, as your fifth rector. Yesterday, and a lifetime ago, all at the same time!
One of my first meetings as “rector-elect” was with Bishop Sumner, and as a first-time rector, I inquired as to what he would recommend a new rector do in his/her first call to a church to get to know the parishioners. His answer seemed simple, and beautiful.
The Bishop said, “In my day, I would have called on each family in their home, having tea with them around their kitchen table, listening to them tell a bit of themselves and vice versa.” He continued, “Christopher, parishioners will probably get mad at you from time to time over the course of your ministry, but if you’ve drunk their tea at their kitchen table, it’s really hard for there to be real, long-lasting anger.”
It occurred to me how profound his reply actually was. When you share time with intendeds, in their sacred space, a bond is developed. There is a vulnerability that is expressed, on both sides of the equation, that says that both are going to leave the conversation different people, changed people, better people, strengthened people, people who are bound together, in our cases, by Jesus Christ, and the work that Christ has called us to do in our baptismal covenant.
Now, had we not had COVID-19, you would already have seen me show up on your doorstep. But we cannot do that for the foreseeable future. So, I propose we try something different.
How about “Virtual Tea with the Rector?”
I would propose that we might have virtual gatherings of 3-5 folks of your choosing, and myself, and we meet in the Zoom realm and have tea (or coffee, or your drink of choice), and spend an hour getting to know each other! No particular agenda. I can tell you about me; you can tell me about you. I can tell you what I’d hope for St. Thomas’ future, and vice versa. A time of sharing over tea.
What do you think? If it’s something you’re interested in (and I hope you are!), please reach out to Parish Administrator, Pam Liles to schedule the grouping of your choice to have tea with your Rector. I will probably do three or so a week, on Mondays, until we’ve worked through the directory.
I’m thinking the times would be 1 pm, 2:30 pm, and maybe an evening time for folks who work during the day? We might start Monday, August 24th (blocking off Monday, September 7th, Labor Day).
Check your calendar and see what you think! If I don’t hear from you, I’ll probably reach out to you, to make sure you know I care.
I look forward to seeing you over tea!
Yours faithfully,
Fr. Christopher+
