Letter from the Vestry

Stephanie Butler, Senior Warden on behalf of Saint David’s Vestry

October 1, 2024

Dear Saint David’s Family,

The Holy Spirit has blessed us with Cristi’s leadership and love for the past two years, and I – like you – am so very grateful for the gifts Cristi brought and shared so generously with all of us.  Those gifts will always be a part of us and will guide and inform us as we prayerfully discern the next steps God is inviting us to take on the journey of the life of Saint David’s.

My experience is that taking the first of those next steps is the most difficult part of a transition like this.  Once the journey is mapped out, the fog of not knowing clears and the path become clearer – and we can begin to measure our progress.  However, while we’re still discerning our process, the future is difficult to envision, and anxiety can feel overwhelming. 

However, I am very confident that there is a sacred plan for Saint David’s, and the Holy Spirit will guide us to the next phase in Saint David’s ministry.  There are also many resources at the Diocese to assist and support us.  Cristi has done the initial work with the Bishop to identify a diocesan liaison to assist and support us, and I am communicating this week with the Canon Missioner for Congregational Transitions to get the process started.

As many of you are aware, several months ago I scheduled an extended trip in Africa, and I will thus be away during the months of November and December.  Please know that I will have computer and Internet access during this time and plan to be fully available, attending vestry and related meetings by Zoom.  Although I will have only intermittent access to cellular service, I will have full access to Wi-Fi for emailing and texting.

Although I am very much saddened to see Cristi leave, I am confident that the work of the vestry and the congregation over the transition period will lead us into a future that affirms the journey we have taken over the past two years and that calls us to new growth and ever-expanding ministries and relationship with each other and with God’s creation.

Please join the vestry and me in congratulating Cristi and the entire Diocese on her new role as Canon to the Ordinary, and in expressing our great love and gratitude for Cristi.  Together, we will continue the beautiful and holy work we have been doing, and together we will travel a new and sacred road.

With love in Christ,

Stephanie Butler

Senior Warden, on behalf of the Saint David’s Vestry