Rector’s Report Annual Meeting

Rector’s Report
Annual Meeting
Church of the Holy Spirit
January 31, 2010

A few weeks ago we read St. Paul’s description of spiritual gifts in the First Letter to the Corinthians. That same week I had occasion to call a man who comes occasionally to our church, but belongs to another denomination. We talked briefly about Church of the Holy Spirit, and at the end of the conversation he named what he considered to be an outstanding gift of our church: care for each other and for the people who come to us as strangers and often remain here as our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I write this Rector’s Report in a spirit of deep thanksgiving for the privilege of being your priest. I am continually surprised and moved by the depth of your faith and the breadth of your gift of kindness to others both within the church and those outside it.

During this year, I have served as your pastor, priest, and teacher, as specified in my ordination vows.
As pastor: I have visited the homebound and those in hospitals and nursing homes. I’ve also been called to function as a short-term counselor, to help parishioners discern issues including marital and job difficulties. In those cases, the Holy Spirit has been an important part of our conversations!
As priest: We rejoiced in the baptism of Isabelle White (grand niece of Anne Hunnewell), and in the Confirmations last spring of Courtney and Megan Abernathy, Michael and Andrew Buttolph, Simon Smith-Mauchly, and two students from Holderness School. We did not have any funerals of parish members during 2009—a striking change from 2008 when so many of our beloved friends were called home to God. Anyce Noyes died on December 24th and the family has been in contact with me to talk about a committal service in late April.
Early in 2009, Jonathan Ross joined us as choir director. Although not a music major, he has generously given of his time and his experience as a singer to guide our choir. The anthem at the 10:00 Christmas Eve service was a tribute to his gifts.
Julie Formidoni graduated in May leaving us, for the first time in six years, without a Formidoni at the keyboard. We have been incredibly fortunate to have Peggy Johnson as our primary supply organist since Julie left. Joyce Milner joined us briefly as organist, and Rosemary Genarro brought her considerable skills on the organ to us during Christmas week. In this time of musical semi-crisis, Anne Hunnewell, Gwynna Smith, and Will Cabell all rallied to give us music for worship.
The Wednesday Eucharist continues each week at 12:30 at the CLC. Everyone is invited to participate in this meditative celebration of Eucharist and in the discussions we have each week in lieu of a sermon.
We had a terrific series of Wednesday Schools for kids and parents during ski season, 2009, and they have begun again. It is a wonderful way for parents and children to have fun and to worship together.
We have continued our ministry of Eucharist, pastoral care, and Bible study at the Mentally Handicapped Offenders’ Program, now in its fifth year. Pat L’Abbe faithfully attends the Eucharist and always brings flowers to brighten the altar.
As teacher: During Lent we paired contemporary movies and discussions about faith in daily life. Since September we’ve enjoyed a rich series of events under the auspices of the Holy Spirit Center for Spiritual Life, skillfully guided by Joan Bowers: “From Sunday to Monday” on everyday spirituality and a one-day workshop in making Anglican rosaries. In addition, I led a three-session class on the Creed during Advent.
Other: Some of you may not be aware of the extent to which our Highland Street site is being used by members and by the community. Many people, even those who have lived in the area for a long time, have come to know of the existence of Church of the Holy Spirit through coming to an activity at the site.
Griswold Hall is in use every week day, often for more than one program. Church programs regularly held there include education events like the Rosary-making workshop, ECW luncheons, weekly Christian Yoga, our monthly quilting and knitting groups, as well as the weekly Al Anon which was begun and is led by CHS members. In addition, Griswold Hall each week hosts six sessions of AA and one of Narcotics Anonymous. It is also used on a semi-regular basis for watercolor classes and adult literacy tutoring. And that doesn’t include the Farmers’ Market each week during the summer and the ECW book sales!
We are blessed every day by the courage and generosity of those who, beginning in 2002, initiated and carried out the Capital Fund Drive which enabled Church of the Holy Spirit to expand its ministry into the community.