Dear Grace Community,
On Sunday, November 22, the Presbytery installed me as your pastor. Yes, I was your pastor before Sunday. In fact, this was the third installation. That’s a long story that I’m happy to tell you some other time. For now though I want to say thank you.
Over the summer when I learned that the presbytery would require a third installation for me, I rolled my eyes. I thought it seemed like overkill, that we really didn’t need to do this again. And maybe we didn’t need to, but I’m glad we did.
Worship on Sunday was a wonderful celebration. It was a celebration of God’s goodness and a chance to give thanks for the ministry we share at Grace as pastor and congregation. It was an opportunity to ask God to bless our shared ministry going forward. It was joy filled with incredible music and many people faithfully leading worship. It was wonderful to be joined by sisters and brothers from Chase and Caldwell and to share a meal together after the service.
Thank you for the beautiful stole. You will see me wear it in worship, and I will treasure it throughout my ministry. It’s a wonderful symbol of our lives together at Grace. The imagery on the stole represents communion and baptism. It is only together as a community that we celebrate these sacraments, and I am grateful to be in community with you. I am grateful for the ways you support me and John, and for the ways I know you will love our baby.
In Christ,
Catherine
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