From the Rector…
Saturday night, after the bishop election, I came home and had the gift of celebrating a baptism. While the baptismal liturgy is, of course, about welcoming another child into the kingdom of God, for me it also became a moment of covenant renewal—a recommitment to my call to serve God in a place that I love deeply.
I love Ascension. I love all of you. I love doing ministry and mission in this place with all of you. I am not disappointed to get to continue being your rector. I hope you’re not disappointed that I get to stay.
Putting my name forward in the bishop discernment process was one of the most vulnerable things I have ever done. I’m not yet sure what all I will learn from this experience, but I do know this: disappointment creates space for grief, and grief is something we need to helps us heal. At the same time, grief is not meant to be a permanent dwelling place. If we remain there too long, our hearts can become so weighed down that repair begins to feel overwhelming.
Grief is subjective. It looks different for every person. Still, there are signs that grief has moved beyond what is healthy. Prolonged social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts, feeling paralyzed and unable to function at work or at home, believing life is meaningless, or carrying a debilitating sense of guilt can all signal that grief has become something more. If you ever find yourself falling into this kind of darkness, reach out—to a counselor, a priest, or a trusted friend—and begin to seek the help you deserve. This kind of brokenness is not meant to be healed alone. It takes others lifting us up and holding us steady until we can stand again on our own two feet.
That is who we are as the community of Christ. And that is exactly who you have been for me over these past several days. The many texts and emails, your words of encouragement, and even your applause during announcements on Sunday have lifted me up as I have worked through my own feelings about this election. My grief has been minimal because my joy has far outweighed it—joy in continuing parish ministry and joy in remaining part of your lives, just as you continue to be part of mine.
Steve and I are taking this week to rest and reflect, so that we may return renewed and ready to move forward into all that God has in store for us and for Ascension. I have trusted the Holy Spirit throughout this entire process, and I know that the Spirit is alive and well here at the Church of the Ascension.
Thank you again for your prayers and concern with which you have held Steve and me over these past several weeks. I am excited to continue to share love and grace with God and all y’all!
Light and Life,
Candice+