Dear Parishioners,
Yesterday, we joyfully sang “Alleluia!” as we celebrated Easter Sunday and the Resurrection of our Lord.
It was certainly an unusual and unpredictable weather day. Early morning rain at 5:30 AM required us to cancel our beloved Riverfront Sunrise Service. As it turned out, the skies cleared just in time for when the service would have begun—one of those moments that reminds us how little control we truly have! I know how meaningful this tradition is to many of you, and I share in your disappointment. So much preparation goes into that service—not only on my part, but also by the Altar Guild and our Parish Administrator. Our Junior Warden, Jim Kondracki, was already on his way to set up chairs when the cancellation was called, and a few faithful parishioners even arrived. It was, without question, a difficult decision.
Yet, as the day unfolded, so did the grace of the moment.
The sun emerged, and thanks to some quick coordination—especially by my wife Karen and a few helpers—we were able to hold our much-loved Easter Egg Hunt right on schedule at 9:45 AM. Rich Gilbert delighted everyone as the Easter Bunny, bringing smiles, laughter, and plenty of photo moments. The children’s joy was unmistakable, and their baskets were filled to the brim with candy-filled eggs.
Then, just as we concluded the 10:00 AM service, the winds picked up and the rain returned in earnest—sending parishioners and visitors scurrying to their cars! Through it all, we adapted, adjusted, and carried on together. And that, perhaps, is the real Easter message—hope, resilience, and joy, even when things don’t go as planned.
I am deeply grateful for the flexibility, good spirit, and faith of this parish community. With heartfelt appreciation, I want to thank all who helped make Holy Week and Easter so meaningful:
- The Altar Guild, led by Andrea Pugh, for their loving and faithful care of the altar from Palm Sunday through Easter Day, and especially for their work on Maundy Thursday in the stripping of the altar
• Carol Weisel and Linda Gibeck, for leading the Monday evening Vesper Service with prayer and music
• Joel Alarcon, Shelly Ray Alarcon, Alex Bi, and Rose McFassel, for enriching our worship with beautiful music
• Our Eucharistic Ministers and Acolytes, led by Carol Weisel and Mac McMullin respectively, for their reverent service at the altar.
• The Ushers, led by Chris Inmon, for their warm welcome and gracious assistance
• The Lectors—especially Andy Flood and Karen Schaeffer—for bringing the Passion narrative to life, and Tom Kenny for his organization of the lectors
• Valerie Manges and Judy Coudon, for preparing the Easter eggs; Melissa Cook MacKenzie, for arranging the bunny suit; and Rich Gilbert, for joyfully serving as our Easter Bunny
• Patty Wood, for leading a Church School program for children during the first half of the 10:00 AM Easter service
• The Flower Committee, for the stunning decorations throughout the church and grounds
• George Kaplan and MacKenzie Strobel, for faithfully providing our livestream services
• Our Vestry leadership, office staff, and the entire parish community, whose collective efforts made our celebration so special
And can you believe it? For 320 years, this faithful parish—and those who came before us—have gathered at this altar to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are good at it! What a profound and humbling legacy we share.
This Easter holds special meaning for me personally, as it will be my final one with you at St. Mary Anne’s. I am especially grateful to share it with such a faithful and loving parish community. Thank you for being part of it.
With gratitude and Easter joy,
Father John
