I’ve been waiting for this day – June 30th – to write about my deep appreciation for Sheilah and Andy. It is not easy being both a pastor and an internship supervisor. I was Sheilah’s fifth intern in six years. Truly it is only by God’s will and blessing that a pastor has the energy and ability to be a full-time pastor and full-time supervisor. Added to this demand was Sheilah’s decision to retire from rostered parish ministry one month after I left my internship.
Sheilah was a gifted supervisor in her ability to affirm the God-given abilities and giftedness that I had and then to ‘set me free’ to engage in ministry. She was also kind and gentle in challenging and guiding me to grow in areas I was uncomfortable with or had not yet had an opportunity to explore.
And her husband is a gem! Andy is calm and relaxed, but don’t ever ask him for directions on “how to do” anything!!!! He is a bit of a stickler about fixing something right the first time … but can I really complain about that??? Andy and I had great fun teasing Sheilah. And we made no bones about it … we conspired on just about everything … especially Sheilah saying “Where’s my glasses?” “Glasses? Glasses? We haven’t seen no glasses around here!!!”
These two saw me at my best and at my worst … and they loved me through it all. God bless both of you as you grow in a new partnership of ministry. Have a wonderful time on your LAMP trip!
This photo was taken yesterday but Mary. Pastor Sheilah concluded her first call of 16 years with the Sullivan-Williamsford Lutheran Parish by hold the regular services at each church and then a BBQ lunch was held in the beautiful old stone driving shed (one of only four left in Ontario) located at St. Peter’s Church (where I lived in the stone parsonage.)
We had a wonderful after-service BBQ for them yesterday in the church shed .. a casual, informal send-off giving folks a chance to visit and chat with them. Sadly, she has another funeral though before their LAMP experience. And just to clarify for those who don’t know …. Pastor Sheilah announced her retirement BEFORE she had Vicar Kristin on internship!!
Thank you Kristin for your warm well wishes for Pastor Sheilah and Andy. You were blessed to have Sheilah as your supervisor. We are going to miss her. Liz and I could not stay for the BBQ as we had family up from Kitchener. Sending lots of love your way for you and family.
Mary – Pastor Sheilah didn’t announce her retirement until about October or so, after I arrived. But let me clarify … she had planned to retire before she met me …
Hey John! Love received and right back at you & Liz! How’s PJ? Write me an email about PJ’s adjustment & send a photo and I’ll post your story & photo.
So maybe having you as an intern DID spark her retirement, then?!?!? I was trying to be nice!!!!
Love for John and Liz, but not me?!? What gives??
Hugs to Doug then from me! Loved him in the pond photo!!
Aw Mary, You know you are loved by many of us including Kristin. But, I have a question! What has happened to Jennifer? Being on this site is like walking the isles of Keady Market and looking for certain people and not finding all of them. So, Jennifer, come out where ever you are.
I’ll answer for Jennifer this time…. Jen and Mike are currently in Winnipeg, attending – and participating in – the wedding of Mike’s younger brother, Matt and his bride, Carmen. They’ll be on home turf this weekend to attend the 60th wedding anniversary celebrations of Jen’s grandparents (Gerald’s parents) on Saturday and then it’s back to their home, garden, full-time jobs and for Jen, full-time studies for her Master’s degree. They’re a busy young couple!
John – I love your Kaedy Market analogy. That’s a wonderful way of thinking about a blog and looking for the other voices. I miss Jenn too!
Mary – I shared your greetings with Doug. He spent a good amount of time in the pond this long weekend. Very hot here!! Actually, he keeps ‘upgrading’ the filtering system. And of course, hugs & love to you and Gerald.
Thanks for passing on an update about me, Mom.
This has been a romantic week for Mike and I – between June 29th and July 6, we will have attended two weddings (in two different provinces!) and my grandparents ‘ 60th wedding celebration. That’s a lot of cake….
I start a 6 week intensive course on Monday, and I still have some reading to do for it. I do read your blog, Kristin, but I think the commenting will be at a minimum this summer.
Since you are hitting the books again, starting Monday, we wish you well Jenn. We will miss your wit and humour.
Well, I’ll do my best to get back into blogging – it will be my ‘duty’ to provide some light moments in your day, Jen!