Grief and Joy at the Table

It’s official – Mike Mischler is a priest! In the midst of our devastating losses, a little joy crept in this morning at Saint John’s Cathedral. The Saint Mark’s cheering section was 40+ strong. It was balm and blessing to be together to celebrate this moment. Mother Besty and I had the honor – along with Kristen, Mike’s wife, and Eilene, Mike’s mom – of presenting Mike for ordination. Before, during, and after worship, we all were wrapped in God’s love in the form of hugs given and received; tears shed, both of joy and of grief; and so many expressions of consolation and of support from our wider diocesan family. Because our Saint Mark’s banner was lost in the fire, a new one was created for the occasion, and before the closing procession, Bishop Taylor called us all forward to stand with him as he blessed our new banner. The tenderness and the resilience of our beautiful church was palpable.

I look forward to being together for online worship tomorrow morning at 10:30. Mike will be presiding, and we’ll have time to share with one another, both before and after the liturgy. I am very hopeful that by a week from tomorrow, we will have a new place to worship together in person – a long-term home-away-from-home. As soon as I have more details, I’ll share them.

If you have not already completed the form to help us know your current housing situation, your needs, and your ways of being able to help in the days ahead, please complete it before Monday. A group of us will be getting together on Monday to begin to strategize ways of connecting community needs with resources. The form can be accessed by clicking here.

I love you all, and feel so deeply grateful for you. This is the hardest thing our church has ever had to endure – grief upon grief upon grief. And. Your love for God and your strength and beauty as a community have never been more radiant.

See you in the morning.

Your sibling in Christ,Carri+