A Message from Dean Thomason
Staff Transition Updates
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In her sermon last Sunday, Canon Jennifer Daugherty referenced the thresholds that life presents us, and how God calls us into new things. I write to share a few updates here in an effort to keep you apprised of the timing of such transitions, the planning to ensure ongoing support of ministries, and to express gratitude on several counts. |
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First, Canon for Cathedral Music Michael Kleinschmidt returns from his sabbatical this week, and he will be on the organ bench this Sunday. He has some interesting stories to share about his sabbatical excursions. Please join him via Zoom on Sunday, August 29, at 7 p.m. for that. I want to also commend Rebekah Gilmore, Associate Musician and Choir School Director, and John Stuntebeck, Associate Organist, for their diligent efforts these past three months, when a spate of weddings and funerals have added considerably to their workload. They have engaged it all with remarkable grace and good will. We are very grateful for them, and for all who have served as cantors and musicians this summer, and I hope you will take a moment to express your appreciation to them as well.
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Secondly, Canon Jennifer Daugherty begins her sabbatical next week with a focus on Celtic Spirituality, and her last day before taking her leave is this Sunday, August 15, when she will preside at both services. She will return December 1, and will share her sabbatical stories in a special forum on December 12. More about that as the date approaches, but we wish her well in her time away and pray for safe travels and all good things.
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As I shared last month, the Rev. Canon Dr. Marda Steedman Sanborn will step into an interim role beginning September 1, and will provide clergy leadership and support while Canon Daugherty is away. In addition to leading worship and providing pastoral care alongside the dean and assisting clergy, she will provide staff support to children’s and family ministries, communications, Tuesday Bible Study, Spirited Women, and other programs. Please join me in welcoming Marda back to Saint Mark’s.
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Third, the Search Committee for the new Canon for Intergenerational Ministries is well into its work of interviews, and I am delighted to report that we have several well-qualified candidates for this position. While timelines are dependent on coordinating schedules and current obligations for those in the process, it is my prayerful hope that the new person will be called in early Fall. I bid your prayers for all participating in the process and for the search committee.
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Lastly, as you know from our recent announcement, Canon Nancy Ross and her husband are returning to California, and her last day at Saint Mark’s is Sunday, August 22, when she will preach and preside at both services (9 a.m. and 11 a.m.). We will send her with our blessing from each service, with receptions to follow both services with cake served. So please join us that day as we bid her and Jim farewell.
I know this feels like a lot of shifting in short order, and there are a lot of moving parts, but we have a good plan in place, and we have long-since laid down an organizational design grounded in collaborative ministry which makes hand-offs easier and more reliable in times such as this. If you have any questions or concerns about ministry support, please don’t hesitate to ask me (sthomason@saintmarks.org or in the office 206.323.0300 x222). We will find our way together, and trust that the Spirit is guiding us in it all. I am,
Gratefully yours,
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The Very Reverend Steven L. Thomason
Dean and Rector
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