It’s hard to believe that the season is shifting from summer to fall, and as hard to believe that after six months, we are still needing to safely manage and navigate COVID 19 risk in all that we do as individuals and as a faith community. This has been a difficult time for all of us — missing cherished and centering physical connectedness to family and friends, feeling uncertainty and fear in the face of health risks, grieving for those who are ill, concerned about US and world issues….the “worry” list seems often seems endless.
But I will go on to say that I feel proud that St. Anne’s has been able to slowly and successfully move forward over the past six months, and I would like to point to a few of our blessings:
Clergy
We’ve had energetic and enthusiastic spiritual leadership from Garrett and Greg — successfully transitioning/managing worship and existing programming on virtual platforms. It’s great to see how many of us have participated at our 8am outdoor service and at the 10am online — summer service attendance numbers have been quite robust! Garrett has just completed his first year, and without a doubt, his approachability and new ideas are totally invigorating. While we will miss Greg this fall, we are grateful for the amazing contribution he’s made in his two years at St. Anne’s and very proud that he has found a next challenge that he is excited about.
Staff
Our staff has continued their dedicated service through the summer. Music has always been an anchor of St. Anne’s, and Jay has made a herculean effort to maintain music offerings within the parameters of what’s safe. Sarah has been consistently creative and energetic in her outreach to St. Anne’s families. Beth, Kristina and Jennie have all been working effectively (mostly remotely) in their respective roles.
Vestry
We have strong leadership from our Vestry, which has continued to meet through the summer months dealing with many issues including reviewing the details of the Carroll School partnership and considering recommendations of our Reopening Task Force re: outdoor worship and planning for indoor when practicable. We are also working to restore our Commission structure — a governance framework that helps us to keep focus and forward momentum in our key strategic areas.
LCD/Carroll Transition
Lincoln Country Day’s closure after so many years was a jolt — but other local schools’ need for additional space turned out to be a COVID silver lining for St. Anne’s — and we are grateful that the Lincoln-based Carroll School came our way looking for additional space to accommodate their middle school population safely. Our mutually beneficial partnership with Carroll School for the next year was more fully described in the August 5 weekly email. A final lease was signed in mid-August.
Property Upgrades
After a hiatus of 20 years, we completed a full exterior repainting of our building in April and interior painting of the terrace level in August. The exterior work included significant repair to areas that had water/rot damage, and the project was funded from a building reserve accumulated over several prior years. In addition, our new 49 panel solar array was installed on the church roof this spring. Thanks to Environmental Stewardship Associates for making this project happen. A significant portion of rectory/church energy needs are now provided from clean sources.
As we start the fall season, more than anything, I would like to invite you to engage (or reengage) with St. Anne’s in ways that are positive for you and your families. Keep an eye on weekly emails, and choose what works for you. We plan to try to be experimental and creative in the uncertain and evolving environment. And we welcome all and any new ideas from you!
When I started on the St. Anne’s senior warden track a year and a half ago, I clearly recall being assured that “everything’s in a great place” and the sailing would be totally smooth. Well, who knew? In any case, it’s a journey….and our collective membership in a strong faith community is truly our greatest blessing.
—Carol Lovell Carmody