On yet another sunny Sunday morning, worshippers gathered for the penultimate service of the summer. The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher presided over the communion service that included a heartfelt tribute to outgoing Standing Committee Chair, Stephen Hatfield. Fellow Standing Committee member George Andrews offered remarks in praise of Steve’s leadership and selfless dedication to the…

For ten weeks in a row, the weather was perfect as ushers and other volunteers prepared the chairs and altar, taking advantage of the shade beneath the beautiful beech tree.  The Chapel grounds have provided the setting for our outdoor services all summer long and have proven to be a beautiful substitute for indoor worship…

What do you find the most challenging in your work? Finding clergy to serve in part-time calls and the heartache for parishes that are struggling without clergy. What gives you the most joy in your work? Small congregations who are doing daily incredible ministry on a shoestring – stone soup! What kinds of books, periodicals, podcasts, etc.,…

The hydrangeas are showing their muted August colors yet the high spirits of the assembled remained vibrant and joyful. The Rev. Canon Arlette Benoit Joseph returned to St. Aidan’s for her second summer, a happy homecoming.  Rev. Arlette conducted a poignant service that included a special blessing for Judith and Peter Stanton, long-time parishioners, who…

What do you find challenging in your work? Supply and demand of clergy. What gives you joy in your work? Any opportunity where I’m able to say, “Wow God, I see you at work!” and any opportunity where I develop my own spiritual maturity and see others grow and blossom in their own. What kinds…

The Chapel garden was sunny and breezy once again as Rev. Kit Lonergan began her second summer ministry at St. Aidan’s parish.  An inclusive, high-spirited service ensued which included the annual “Blessing of the Pets,” a favorite of parishioners and animals alike.  Inviting the children present to help her administer the blessings to a bunch…

What do you find challenging in your work? Humans are challenging in general– all of us, parishioners, clergy, and our communities. The greatest challenges in ministry are when we forget that we are all fallible, imperfect works in progress, and expect perfection from every angle. It’s not who we were made by God to be.…

Three baptisms were held on Sunday, July 31 in front of a supportive group of parishioners, the largest gathering of the summer so far. Ninety-seven people assembled under the shade of the beech tree as Rev. Noah Van Niel led the worship service, his last of 2022.  The singing of hymns with flute interludes by…

Throughout the summer, our visiting clergy are asked a series of questions about their work and what they like to read. Rev. Noah responded as follows: What do you find the most challenging in your work? The deep awareness of just how hurting and broken the world is and not being able to solve all…

The sustained heat wave and drought conditions did not deter Rev. Noah Van Niel and the congregation from gathering on July 24. The shade of the mature beech tree in the Chapel garden provided welcome protection from the sun as hymns were enhanced by flute accompaniment. Over 80 parishioners attended the service and welcomed Rev.…

Throughout the summer, our visiting clergy will be asked a series of questions about their work and what they like to read.  First up, Vicar Mike: What do you find the most challenging in your work? I’m a parish minister at heart, and each parish has a set of gifts (charisms) and challenges (particularities) that…

On yet another beautiful Sunday morning, Rev. Mike Dangelo led a large group of parishioners in prayer and worship outside in the Chapel garden. The July 17th gathering was the last of his four services for 2022, in which he offered another engaging sermon that highlighted the continuity of the Gospel readings throughout his stay this summer.  Recommending…