Below you can find a message from the Very Rev. Pamela. These are sent out most Fridays in our newsletter and updated here.

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Message from the Very Rev. Pamela from November 22, 2024:

Dear Ones,

I was in a conversation yesterday with Bishop Megan and told her how remarkably well you all have been handling the extended time that we’ve been in the parish hall. Your patience, creativity, and good humor have been evident every Sunday and it has made my job, and the work of the rest of the staff, so much easier than it might have been.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, but unfortunately the tunnel is a bit longer than we had hoped it would be: Yes, we have received one more adjustment to the timeline for returning to the church. We last reported we would be in the parish hall through December 1. Instead, Nzilani’s last day working here will be Dec. 13. The following week, the scaffolding will be removed and the fire suppression system reactivated. Our first Sunday back in the church is now scheduled for December 22, the fourth Sunday of Advent. 

The additional time needed is not because the initial estimate to clean and restore our ceiling stained-glass window was off the mark. After the first delay, caused by weather, things have been moving forward as planned. Nzilani Glass Conservation has been working diligently and keeping in close communication with us. They reported last week that they need only three to four more days working in the church and in the upper cavity to complete the restoration. 

Most of the additional time needed is for an important final step, which wasn’t in the original plan but we think is critical for the long term. Nzilani will be placing a super strong netting beneath the window. This netting is literally a safety net that would hold any glass pieces that might fall in the future, despite the repair work now being done. The netting is not only for us but also for future generations of this church. It is very fine and will barely be visible from the floor of the church.

Advent starts on December 1, the Sunday we had hoped to be back in our church. It is a shame that some of the special events we planned for December will either be rescheduled, such as the December 15 funeral service, or will take place in the parish hall instead of our beautiful sanctuary. Still, Advent is the season of waiting and anticipation, so we will be living our Advent in an especially profound way this year. Thank you again for your patience. And please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.

Blessings,

Pamela+