Giving thanks and looking forward

November 27, 2021

Dear St. PJ's, 

After a lovely service on Sunday, Nov. 21st, we said our goodbyes to Harlon and presented him with gifts, blessings and prayers for his future. It all happened on our new Sanctuary floor, just one of the symbols of Harlon's vision and leadership that he has shown us over the past three years. We are now in a time of transition and it is important to remind ourselves that in accordance with the Diocesan "Leaving Well Policy", all members of the parish and staff are to make a "clean break" with Harlon. This ensures that we move into the next chapter of our parish life forming a strong and healthy relationship with our next Priest-in-Charge.  

With the declining number of full-time priests, and fewer and fewer parishes able to afford them, the Priest-in-charge model is becoming widespread. Our Vestry will soon be meeting with Rev. Amber Page-Gehr, the Diocesan Transition Minister, to take the next steps toward the appointment of our next Priest-in-charge by Bishop Douglas. While we look forward to that appointment, it may take a few months. We have arranged with Rev. Nathan Empsall, one of our former Priest Associates, to serve as "Designated Celebrant" until the end of February. In this limited role, Nathan will Celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday, and while he will preach on occasion, most sermons will be delivered by some of our qualified parishioners or guests. This arrangement will ensure that we will have Communion every Sunday, as has been our custom during Harlon's term. During this time, pastoral concerns should be brought to Tudy Hill, our Minister of Pastoral Care, and her capable Pastoral Care Team. Please contact our wardens, Claire Cody or Brian Fillmore, or any member of the Vestry, with questions or concerns. 

We are focused on God's work and opening ourselves up to the community in which we live. We are strong, we are growing, and we look to the future with excitement. This is a challenging time for our Parish, and for our Church. With faith, prayer and hard work, our future is bright. To quote Harlon, "Be well, be safe, hold hope, and keep the faith."

Peace and Blessings,
Your Vestry and Wardens

Brian Fillmore
Warden
203-815-2544
bfillmore1@gmail.com

Claire Cody
Warden
847-624-5685
claire.cody@yale.edu

Tudy Hill
Pastoral Care Minister
860-990-3324
tudy.cox.hill@gmail.com
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David Hill, Treasurer
Bill Evans
Sally Fleming
Jeff Lange
Maggie King, Clerk
Nate Solberg
Agatha Zichichi-Evans
Max Clayton
Lynne Severance
David Tate