When Alissa goes away, what’s different around here? What do you notice? What’s the same?

Perhaps the most obvious differences, to most of us, happen in worship. Different preachers and presiders bring their own unique gifts, talents, and personalities to their work in the service. I love that we’re a flexible congregation that comes along for the ride whatever twists and turns might come up in worship. But it can be interesting to note where you do have an emotional reaction to something different. That response is usually a sign that something is particularly important to you. It can be positive or negative or just sort of curious, but it can reveal a lot about the things you really value in our liturgy. What are you noticing this month?

The role of the wardens changes when Alissa is away, for sure. Particularly with such a long absence this time, Alissa was very concerned that we don’t lose momentum while she’s gone. Micah and I will be leading the book discussions starting next week so that those can get underway in her absence. I’m trying to stay on top of things like the memorial garden project and various pastoral care needs. For me, this is a great opportunity to get to know this community a little bit better, to realize what I still have to learn about St. Columba’s and its people. 

But then, the continuity, all the things that don’t change—that’s comforting, in a way. Particularly for those of us who have come to St. Columba’s in the last few years, it can be hard for us to imagine this church without Alissa. She has no plans to leave us any time soon, but it’s reassuring for me to know that we will still be St. Columba’s without her, whenever that time comes. Of course, we need a priest and we love our priest, but vicars come and go. We are the church—a wonderful and blessed community, even when she’s away.

I am so grateful to be part of this community. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything I or the church can do for you in Alissa’s absence. And while she’s gone, please keep her in your prayers—as well as me, Micah, the rest of the bishop’s committee, and our preachers and guest presiders! 

Alissa’s travels are a disruption to the normal way of things around here, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Sometimes disruption can help us see things differently.

—James