Rachel Fitch
Sid & Cathy Batts Pastoral Resident
Talking with one of you a few weeks ago, we stood in the pews and looked up – up at the glorious rose window and the chancel and all that it holds. You, in your wisdom, said, “do you ever stop and look in awe.” You explained. There is awe, both in the beauty of the space and in the beauty of all that the space holds.
That chancel has seen a lot. In nearly 95 years it has been the place of Baptisms, confirmations, weddings, ordinations, Communions, and funerals. It is awe-inducing to think of the number of feet that have crossed that space, the number of sacramental moments that have taken place, the water that has splashed over how many hundreds of little baby and adult heads, the fruit of the vine that has been poured and bread broken, the presence of Christ named and felt. It is awe-inducing and awe-inspiring.
As the spring days lengthen and as Lent has turned again into the joyous Easter season, I think about how the season is always changing. Whether within the weather outside, the liturgical calendar, or the world events, it feels like constant change. It is cyclical, but constant. As I look at the chancel and think to all the changes it has seen, I cannot help but look in awe at the constancy of our Lord’s presence in this place.
As my residency ends this summer, our little family will be entering a new season. I will be ending a little early as my family will be moving. My last Sunday will be May 19, Pentecost, and I will officially end that following week.
While the ending has snuck up, as it so often does, I cannot help but think to that conversation with one of you as we looked with awe upon the chancel. I cannot express my gratitude enough as I think to the gift it has been to participate in and be a witness of the life and ministry of this church these past three or so years. A lot has happened. And, Christ’s presence and love have been constant.
I hope to see you around the church or at worship between now and then to say thank you. Thank you for welcoming me into the beautiful tapestry of this place. Thank you for teaching me and walking alongside me, for letting me pray with you and ask questions with you. Thank you for welcoming my family so graciously and pouring out abundant love on our little boy. Thank you for being you and for sharing Christ’s love.
As our family prepares for change in this season and as we all prepare for changes of seasons at various points of our lives, we hold fast to and look to the glorious presence of the Spirit all around us. A presence that, even amid the questions of what is next, is always constant, always leading, guiding, and filling.
I pray that there might be another 100+ years of sacramental moments upon our beautiful chancel and of Christ’s love being shared from this place.
