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From the Rector
The Rev'd Dante A. Tavolaro
Dear People of St Thomas,
On February 5, 2020 I stood in our parking lot looking up at the Church filled with wonder, excitement, and plenty of nerves. I had just finished my interview with the parish vestry where they extended a call for me to become your next priest. Little did I know that cold February night what God had in store for us next.
Before we could actually begin our shared ministry the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Clearly things were not going to begin as anticipated. The place was deserted as I brought my books - so many boxes of books - into the office. When it was time for my first Sunday, on June 7, it was only Marie Piadade and I in the Church recording a service of Morning Prayer. Though Mimi Freeman and a few others found their way to the parking lot to wave hello and offer greetings. While not the start any of us wanted; I knew it would be difficult, and I also knew that we would find a way to make it through.
What impressed me most about this community from the beginning was the way each and every person here faced each new challenge head on. We worked tirelessly to care for this place during lockdown and reopen for in-person worship as quickly and safely as possible. How we managed that told me everything I needed to know about this place.
Look at all that has happened since those days. We have started the Church Mouse Thrift Shop; the Vendor Faire ministry launched; we redoubled our efforts for faith formation expanding offerings and topics of discussion; we developed new community partnership for mission and outreach; we found new ways to gather as a community and enjoy fellowship with one another.
Along the way there were moments when we were not sure how we would make it through. There were plenty of sleepless nights to go around wondering how we were going to keep the doors open, but we never let that fear stop us. That same tenacious spirit I discovered upon my arrival has carried through these last six years. For that I am deeply grateful.
This past fall we arrived at one of those pinch point moments which required the parish leadership to have intense conversation, difficult discernment, and arrive at a painful decision so that the parish could continue to push forward carrying on the mission and ministry entrusted to us. As you know, that decision was accepting the fact that the parish could no longer afford for me to remain here as your Rector.
Reflecting upon our current financial situation with the parish leadership, it is clear that my time here needs to come to an end. It is with a grieving heart that I announce to you that my final day here at St. Thomas will be Sunday, March 15.
These next three weeks will be spent saving goodbye and handing off things to the parish leadership. I remain impressed by the way your vestry is stepping up to make sure things remain as close to normal as possible during the transition period. To that end, I do want to assure you that there is clergy coverage for Holy Week and Easter Day.
After my departure, Canon Dena - the Canon to the Ordinary for our Diocese - will begin working with the parish leadership to discern how God is calling this community next. Any questions about the transition should be directed to the parish wardens - Wendy Knowlton and Josh North.
It has been a privilege and honor to serve as your Rector. For those good things we have done I rejoice. For those things left undone I had onto you. For those things which have caused pain I ask your forgiveness and I extend it in return. For what has been, for what is, and for what will be I give thanks.
When I made my introductory video to you all in March of 2020, I concluded it by saying, “I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us next.” That remains true today. I still believe in the tenacious power of this community which has overcome the odds time and time again for the entirety of your 175 years. I pray that you will remain faithful to the call God has placed on your hearts, that you will listen to God speaking to you now, that you will not lose heart, and that you will continue the good work we have done together.
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