And the master bath renovation (transformation!) is really and truly nearing completion. Tiling and grouting are finished, the new shower is fully installed. Priming the walls begins today, painting--perhaps tomorrow!
Last night our parish's relationship with our "new" rector became official. He initially came to us almost two years ago as priest-in-charge and he hadn't been in our midst more than a couple of weeks before we knew we wanted to keep him!
So our Bishop, still hearty and smiling after hosting the Presiding Bishop all weekend, came to our little church to lead us in a Celebration of New Ministry.
I'm fairly certain I haven't posted pics of our Bishop in the past. I suppose my discretion arose because of working so closely with him and a reluctance to infringe upon that relationship. Yet he's been pictured in every traditional media outlet and online publication in the world, numerous blogs, parish websites in this and many another diocese, the cover of the biography that Beth wrote and the recently published book he authored. Even on his own blog, which he wrote from England this summer. I'm thinking I might have been unnecessarily discreet....
So here he is, resplendent and seasonal in his consecration vestments, also worn on Saturday at the service with Presiding Bishop.
At that moment the two wardens were doing their presentation. The Chap is our Senior Warden, only he's not visible.
His stole was designed to include the leaves of trees native to New Hampshire.
After the service the parishioners and guests went down to the Undercroft for a delicious meal. The Bishop also blessed the new cross, built and painted by parishioners, which will soon sit atop the roof. (Our old one, more than 100 years old, was irreparably damaged last year during the re-roofing of the building.)
A sweet--and bittersweet--element of celebration could be found on the dessert table. This summer we lost a stalwart of our parish, beloved by all, in an automobile accident. She was famous for the lemon squares and other treats she provided for breakfasts, bake sales, and picnics. Someone used her recipe, making sure we had the lemon squares (they were delicious!) Even more amazing, we still had in the freezer a batch of chocolate chip cookies she'd baked for the Old Home Day celebration that occurred days after her death. She would've been so thrilled about last night's celebration, and it was the perfect time to serve those cookies!
No sooner does one celebration end than another begins. Our wedding anniversary approaches, as does the anniversary of my very first visit to New Hampshire. Now, as then, the foliage will be spectacular!
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