by Rev. Dr. Jim Warnock
I think by now most of you will know that the long-delayed property sale has gone through. I received an email from Sonia Grunberg, our Realtor, on Friday, January 16th. The final amount is a bit more than $300,000 which will go to the diocese. I want to thank Sonia for the diligence with which she pursued this sale and for her work finding those interested in a purchase. I would also thank the various members of the Bishop’s Committee and Building Committee whose time, work and energy have turned this long potential idea into a reality.
Our building committee, accordingly, will be reconstituted shortly. We had planned renovations a few years ago, but these will need to be revised. Costs have gone up, and this needs to be considered. We will keep everyone informed as the process continues.
The recent diocesan convention changed the status of the African congregations in the diocese. This means that All Saints’ Goshen, our Kenyan friends, is now a mission just as we are. They will also have an interest in the Parish Hall since they use it quite a bit on Sunday afternoons. We will want to work together with them on a redesign.
The Bishop’s Committee has discussed what it means to have two missions sharing a facility. It’s apparent that we’ll need some input from the Diocese. Our Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Cristi Chapman, will be attending our February meeting, and she will give us some insight into the Bishop’s thinking.
We’re into the new year, so it’s time to consider our liturgical schedule. We’re in Epiphany season now. Ash Wednesday is on February 18th. We will have a service, probably at noon. We will also observe Shrove Tuesday on the evening before with the traditional provision of pancakes. Thus, we will be duly shriven of our sins for Lent. The Friday soup suppers will continue, without a program like last year. It will be fellowship for those of us who can attend. More details will follow in next month’s Quilt.
I wish all of you a blessed Epiphany season.