Thank you

Last year, a friend sent me a Christmas card with a very simple message, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”

It’s a quote attributed to Meister Eckhart, a German theologian, philosopher and mystic in the late 13th century. And thank you is what I want to say to you, the people of St. George’s church.

I can’t believe that this Sunday will be my last Sunday with you all and my summer internship will end next Friday, July 16th. It’s raced by and it’s also been very meaningful. I have appreciated your gracious welcome and what I have learned from you about ministry, preaching and worship.

It’s been great to help with the food pantry, to learn about the House Churches, the Community Growth Committee, and the ministries that focus on 20-30 year-olds, Music, Social Justice, and Youth. And what a bonus to participate in every Sunday worship service, especially as the tradition of an outdoor service and Sunday ice cream for all began! 

I’m grateful for the time and patience shown to me, and especially to those who served as my Lay Support Team – Mary Ruth Findlay, Convener, and Eric Fontaine, Parks Gilbert, Eric Goldman, Evelyn Harpham and Genesis Lazo. They devoted a number of precious summer hours to read and guide my preaching and to meet as a group and support me along this way. I observed to Shearon that I’ve never seen a church with such a group of strong lay team leaders. It seems to me that’s a big part of the secret of St. George’s growth and community, you are truly all for one and one for all.

And of course, the kind and lively and wise St. George team – Rev. Shearon, RevMo. Crystal, Dr. Ben, Jenice, Larry, Wardell and Elena – was a joy to meet and work with. 

I’ll have a few weeks off now before I begin my senior year at Virginia Theological Seminary. As I continue this awesome journey, I’ll take you all with me in my heart remembering the weeks spent here. And, as I continue to grow in Christ, it will be with the help of the lessons and blessings you’ve given me this summer.

Amen and thank you,

Stacy Carlson Kelly