November 9, 2022
Beloved in Christ:
I am delighted to report that we have hired our next Director of Children’s and Youth Formation! This part time position was empty throughout most of the past two years and we are so blessed that Michelle McKean has said “Yes” to our offer to be part of the team at Calvary. Michelle and her husband, Alistair, and their daughters, Catriona and Cara, have been members of Calvary for the past almost-4 years. Michelle is a professional educator, and has taught elementary-, middle-, and high school-aged children. She is a Master’s level Counseling Psychologist and spent a year in the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Mayo, receiving her certification as a Chaplain. Michelle is excited about restarting our children’s and youth formation programs at Calvary, and will be bringing her deep faith in God, her interests in spirituality, hope, and resilience, and her vision for what we can do to support our young people in their faith journeys to Calvary. Welcome, Michelle!
The Landing MN Day Center, a place of respite, hospitality and occasional miracle for anyone in Rochester who is homeless, is reopening this weekend in their new facility. All are invited to an Open House on Friday, November 11 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The address is 426 3rd Avenue, SE. Volunteer Orientations are taking place, too. Calvary’s own Dr. Casey Caldwell is on board at The Landing, bringing his wisdom, compassion, and medical expertise to those who have very few resources. Others from Calvary have given generously of their time and talent, and if you ever wonder what happens to any doughnuts or other treats left after Sunday morning coffee hours and receptions at Calvary, know that they benefit people staying at The Landing. Calvary recently sent The Landing a $2,000.00 check. This was money that we, along with every faith community in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, received from the Diocese once last year’s Diocesan financial books were closed. Because of Covid restrictions, there was money left in the diocesan coffers and the Diocesan Council made the recommendation to split that money up and give it as a free will offering to all faith communities in Minnesota. At Calvary, the Finance Team asked the Outreach folks what they thought we should do with the money, and because of their recommendation, and Vestry approval, the entire amount was given directly to The Landing, with my blessing.
The Holy Spirit is moving and energizing Calvary Episcopal Church. The Director of Music Search Committee continues in its important work, and the Rector and Personnel Committee are discerning our needs for a permanent parish administrator. In the meantime, our temporary worker Laura Hildman is learning a lot and enjoying working with us. The staff, Outreach and Fellowship Teams are planning for fun events and services for Advent and Christmas, and we will certainly have our children’s and youth programs up and running soon.
In this Stewardship season, I hope that you will all find your connection to this holy space, where we are anchored in faith, hope, tradition, and joy.
In gratitude,
Beth+
