I hope by now each of you has had the opportunity to digest the news of Rev. Scottie's three month leave of absence to treat her alcohol dependence.  In watching your reactions on Sunday as she willingly and openly talked about her problems, and in reading your many emails (from friends far and near!), I understand there are many emotions.  Some were shocked, some relieved that it was not an untreatable illness, some in full admiration of her bravery to bare her soul as she did -- but all, yes ALL, loving, supportive and willing to help in any way possible. 

They say every cloud has a silver lining....they are right.  And each of you is a part of the lining.  I think it is fair to say that in most churches of any denomination, the Clergy Person gets the spotlight.  Right now, Rev. Scottie is focusing her spotlight on her recovery.  It is now time for others to shine -- and you are.  We are banding together for this unexpected journey and I am proud of us.

We are lucky to have a new ray of light with us.  The  Rev. Roger E. Nelson will be preaching at both Sunday Services beginning Sunday 1/12/14 throughout  Scottie's absence and also available for pastoral care, office hours and visitations each week.  Though flexible, he will most likely be available each Tuesday.  In the upcoming weeks, he will be meeting with parish leaders and spending a few minutes with the children during Sunday School to introduce himself.

The Rev. Roger E. Nelson is a lifelong resident of Massachusetts as well as a lifelong Episcopalian.  Born and raised in Braintree, baptized and confirmed at Emmanual Church, Braintree, he received his college degree in history from Trinity College, CT.  After training at what was then the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, he was ordained a deacon and later a priest.  For seven years he served as Curate at Saint Thomas's Episcopal Church in Taunton.  From 1973 to 2003 he was the Rector of Saint John's Episcopal Church in Saugus.  After retirement he was employed half-time by the Parish of the Epiphany in Winchester, where he remains a member and an adjunct clergy.  His wife Dotsie died in 2012.  He has one son Craig, who with his wife Patricia lives in New York City.  Rev. Roger's main interests in his ministry have been youth work, social action, and ecumenical relations.  His brother Fred was a resident of Reading for forty years until his death five years ago.  His sister-in-law Dee still lives in town and is a member of Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Parish.

I know we all welcome Rev. Roger, and to greet him properly the Vestry will be hosting this Sunday's coffee hour as a "meet and greet."  I hope everyone can stop by and introduce themselves.

In prayer,

Linda

Our Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, January 26, immediately foll owing the 10 o'clock Eucharist.  Every member in good standing is invited to attend and to vote.  Annual Meeting is an opportunity to elect our parish leaders, discuss our budget, and celebrate our mission and ministry in the past year and hear about our goals for the coming year.  Child care will be provided, and there will be activities and games for older children so that all families will be able to attend the Annual Meeting. 

Christine Camper, Kevin Cellucci, Gerry Chagnon, Betty Fraser, Bernice Herrick, Linda Johnnene,Thomas and Henrietta Kane, Debra Katt-Lloyd, Tony Lopes, Lynn McDonald, Rheta McKinley, Elsie Saunders, Bishop Thomas Shaw, Kevin Smith, Jake Torrisi, Ralph Ventola, Scottie Wagner, Stephen Wagner, and Nickie Zitoli.