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Though I look forward to my summer holidays every year, and this year especially appreciated them for the rest I needed, I can honestly say I am happy to be back at work.  

I am incredibly grateful that I was able to take the time I could for holidays.  Like many people who have had Covid-19, I have experienced some lingering effects.  Fatigue being the predominant one.  I will not bore you with the details, but just to say I have become an expert at napping!  And I have a deeper appreciation for those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue or myalgic encephalomyelitis.  

I am happy to report that I am feeling much better.  The need for rest continues to be greater than prior to Covid, but I have learned a lot about pacing myself, eating to help my body (lots of green veggies!) and being patient with myself and others in this new world we live in.  No doubt you will hear some of my learnings from this time in my sermons.  God never seems to miss an opportunity to teach us about love, life and redemption.  

It was wonderful to go on vacation and know the church was in such good hands.  Not every priest has that luxury.  I am so grateful to The Rev. Phil Gearing for taking over the helm for the past weeks.  And for the wardens, who have continued to meet on a weekly basis to oversee the details and changes that are upon us for the fall.  Also, for the folks behind the scenes who have been looking after our building and our beautiful gardens.  I had to include a picture of our front garden for those of you who have not been able to get by.  It is a spectacular expression of joy.  A special thanks to Terry O'Grady who planted it in the spring.  

As I write this, I am not yet caught up on all the news.  I look forward to seeing some of you at Priest on the Lawn this week.  Please be in touch and let me know how you are doing.      

We are now working on plans for reopening as of September 13th for our first in-house service (if circumstances in the larger community allow for this).  There will be a lot of information to sort through and to share.  Please be patient with us and always know that questions are welcome at any time.  We are all in a process of learning and experimenting within new parameters.  

Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. – Archbishop Desmond Tutu  

Looking forward to doing our little bit of good together in the heart of Christ!  Ruthanne