Parish Life
Rector's Letters
May 2013
Dear Parishioners and Friends of the Church of the Transfiguration,
After a rather cool early spring thus far, this last weekend by contrast lifted the spirits with some warm sunshine and a burst of spring blossoms.
By this weekend when we rededicate the Lychgate the dogwood and azaleas in the church garden should be in full flower and most of the trees in leaf. The Lychgate rededication happily falls on Rogation Sunday when we normally bless the garden giving thanks for the beauty and variety of God’s creation. The Lychgate forms the gateway to the garden and the church and is a place to pause and ponder the statue of Christ the King and to be led through the arch into the beauty and peace of the churchyard and the church beyond. I do hope many of you can join us on Sunday for the Solemn Mass at 11am at the conclusion of which we will process to the Lychgate for the rededication and then enjoy a reception in the Courtyard. Our warm thanks go to Rosemary Mackay whose unstinting efforts have helped raise nearly $150.000 for the restoration. Thanks also to Father Platt for his splendid booklet about the Lychgate and its history which is on sale at the church. The gateway is now looking its beautiful self again and is a fitting entrance to the church.
Bishop Chilton Knudsen, the former Bishop of Maine and now Assistant Bishop in this diocese, will be with us on Ascension Day, Thursday May 9 at 6.30pm, to preside, preach and confirm. I am pleased that we have 5 candidates for confirmation. This is always a special and happy day with the cookout in the Courtyard afterwards.
This Saturday, May 4, at 6.30pm is the occasion for the annual Choir Benefit. This year some of the funds will help the Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs travel to Barbados for some concerts there on Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to Pat Williams who has enabled this all to take place and best wishes to Claudia, the choirs and a number of choir parents who will be making the visit.
On Pentecost Sunday, May 19, the Men and Boys Choir will be recognized at the 11am service. On that same Sunday we will be farewelling our two seminarians, Sara Bates and John Allison, both of whom are graduating this year.
On Trinity Sunday, May 26, at the 11am Solemn Mass we are privileged to have as our preacher, Bishop Michael Colclough, the Canon Pastor of St Paul’s Cathedral, London.
Earlier in April the Vestry had its annual retreat at the House of the Redeemer. This is always a useful time for visioning and planning ahead. One of the outcomes was the decision to hold a parish town hall meeting on Sunday June 9 following the 11am service. At this meeting among other things the results of the recent parish survey will be presented.
I trust you continue to enjoy the peace and joy of the Easter season.
With my prayer-filled good wishes,
+Andrew, Rector
Rector's Letter - February 2013
Rector's Letter - November 2012
Rector's Letter - October 2012
Rector's Letter - September 2012
Rector's Letter - February 2012
Rector's Letter - January 2012
Rector's Letter - December 2011