celebration

I can’t imagine a more joyful and joy-filled celebration than the one I just experienced.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Episcopal church “in the woods”, gathered for Sunday worship and the annual parish meeting, to honor their rector of 20 years, as she celebrated her anniversary of 25 years of ordained ministry.

Friends and family gathered as well. Twenty of us gathered for dinner Saturday night. Stories and remembrances were shared. Laughter and song rang out.

Sunday Worship was filled with prayer, spoken and sung. All soared high and on high.

Immediately following the service a photo of the gathering was taken.

Following the service lunch was served!

Then the celebrating and honoring began.

Colleagues were featured on a series of videos, all sharing special praise for Beth, including a video by the Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry.

A quilt of photographs was presented.

as was a scrapbook of photos, mementoes and memories.

And even more bags of joy.

Ending with a standing ovation.

Thanks be to God for this good and faithful servant.