As we approach the end of our program year, I want to thank all the fellowship’s staff and volunteers for their work in keeping things humming. A special thanks to Jen Page for her two years serving as our director of religious education during challenging times. Please join me in extending our thanks. Thank you, too, to Krystal Barnhart, for her time in our nursery.
 
Welcome to Sam Keeler, who has been promoted to the new position of faith formation coordinator. Sam will work with parents, volunteers, and staff to create a new learning program that will better meet families’ needs. Welcome, too, to Danny Schulz, who’s been helping with nursery care.
 
I would like to get us thinking about how we care for one another. We have a team of lay associates to assist with pastoral care needs. We have hospitality teams to help facilitate our Sunday gatherings. What we are missing is volunteers to help with the new faith formation team (above) as well as member pathway needs, such as following up with visitors, identifying people’s needs and interests and connecting them with opportunities, helping lead new member orientations, and so on. If you would like to help with such tasks, please let me know. We will be rebooting a ministry team to cover these areas, and I would love your energy and ideas.
 
I will be away on vacation for all of July but will return in August. I will get the new program year up and running in September, then begin my sabbatical in October. During either absence, please direct pastoral cares to Beth or Gisela, worship thoughts to Laura, justice questions to Susan, and education items to Sam. Operational questions may go to Wendy or the appropriate staff member. Jim and Monica will oversee staff while I am away.
 
I’m sure that the coming months will prove interesting, both locally and nationally. I wish you courage and compassion for all that may come. Thank you and blessings.
Rev. Eric