Dear People of St. Mary’s by-the-Sea,
My heart is full of joy and gratitude as I prepare to join you in ministry in beautiful Pacific Grove! I had my first glimpse of St. Mary’s in March when I saw a notice that you were seeking a new rector. From my first click on your parish profile, with its picture of your Annunciation window over the altar, I was smitten. I love your intentionality both to grow deep spiritual roots and bear rich fruit in the world, and I am eager to join with you in that work.
The Annunciation has always been a powerful image for me, because just as the angel came to Mary with a glorious, life-changing invitation, I am convinced that God has unique invitations for each of us. God plants dreams and gifts inside each of us in the hopes that we will bear those into the world, bringing healing, peace and love. What a beautiful privilege it will be to celebrate under the window that reminds us of that each time we gather for the Eucharist!
I am eager to meet each of you, to learn about your dreams and gifts, your joys and challenges, and to travel with you on the way of love. I pray our journey together will be full of wonder, joy and love, and I trust that in the power of the Holy Spirit it will be so.
May God’s peace be always with you.
Kristine