Council members represent our ten deaneries and various ministries. Some members and guests, including Bishop-elect Antonio Jose Gallardo Lucena, participated remotely. It is also likely to have been Canon for Common Life Bob Williams’ last meeting after over 40 years of service, though he spent some of that time serving on the presiding bishop’s staff in New York. We figured that he has attended perhaps 350 council meetings, reporting on his communications, multifaith, and Neighborhood Youth Association ministries.
In my valedictory remarks, I stressed the golden rule (Matt. 7:12); the astonishing miracle of innovative volunteer lay leadership in the progressive denominational church, even while heretical nationalists get all the news coverage; and my preference for saying au revoir instead of farewell.
As always in our in-person meetings, we passed the mic around the table, offering everyone the option of saying something for the good of the order. Many members and guests had kind words to say. On behalf of the Transition Committee and Girls’ Friendly Society, Sheira Williams-Smith and Martha Watson and Claire Harris presented illustrated volumes that I will treasure. Council Secretary Samantha Wylie laid on a tasty dinner, including a scrumptious chocolate flat cake.
It is always a joy when people come together from their various occupations and distractions to apply themselves to the vocation of the Church of the Risen Christ, which is to glorify God and care for God’s people. I will miss the circle of love in action.
