From the Senior Warden

June 6, 2022

Friends -

What a wonderful two Sundays of celebrations we’ve had at St. Timothy’s! Last Sunday, June 5, we celebrated Father Jack Fleming’s time as rector here by dedicating the parish hall and naming it Fleming Hall in his honor and memory. On Sunday, May 29, we celebrated Mother Camie Dewey’s three years as associate rector here and launched her into a new ministry in her home state of Wyoming. Jack Fleming’s vision, energy and leadership here, beginning when he was called in 1999, was marked by the building of our beautiful new sanctuary and its consecration in 2004. This was followed by breaking ground for the new parish hall and education wing in 2012 and later complicated completion. Be sure to see the photo display marking the progress of these building projects in the colonnade. We admired Jack for the kind of rector he was; we loved him for the kind of priest he was. Take a look at his portrait in the area leading into Fleming Hall. The kindness and compassion in his face speaks volumes about who he was; his pastoral care was beyond measure. Note also the twinkle in his eye—he brought much happiness to St. Tim’s. In his memorable sermons he often quoted Irish poetry or a book he’d just read. I typically jotted down the references on my bulletin to take home.

Camie Dewey drove away from St. Timothy’s on May 29 right after the 10:45 service, with her dog to accompany her on the long trip to Wyoming. I was glad to hear from Mother Liz Meade that Camie had arrived safely in Nebraska Sunday night, and then in Wyoming on Monday. We’ll remember Mother Camie for her smile, her presence at the altar, her wonderful sermons, and, of course, her beautiful singing voice. Camie’s strength was evident as she carried us through the beginning of the pandemic, the building closure, and the interim period between Father Marvin Foltz’s retirement and the arrival of Mother Liz, our interim rector—for whom the challenges continue. We can be sure that neither Mother Camie nor Mother Liz were taught in seminary how to manage such times in our parish and national life. So now we await the calling of a new rector.

I’m very eager to learn who the discernment team and vestry will agree to bring to St. Timothy’s. The discernment team should be receiving lengthy resumes from the bishop’s office this week. Then their work begins again in earnest. Let’s all pray for them every day.

Faithfully,
Joy Rouse, Senior Warden
June 6, 2022