Dear People of Christ Church,

Writing, late, on a Thursday afternoon, thinking of endings and beginnings; we said goodbye to our Micah Intern, Paul, this week, in a variety of ways, and he and I had some time together to think about what we'd celebrated together this year. I encourage you to take a look at the pictures from this year on our facebook page. You don't have to be a member of Facebook to see them. (Thanks to St Peter's member Edith Williams, who took many of the Christ Church and St Peter's joint event pictures) I've spoken to the director of the Micah Project, who won't spill the beans about who, exactly, we'll have working with us next year, but I am assured that "you'll be very happy." We'll welcome the next intern in early September next year.

Historic Waltham Day on Saturday was our most successful ever, thanks to our parish historian Mike Balulescu and our guests, one of whom, a descendent of Homer Sewall, was excited to see a stained glass window offered by his relatives. Other attendees included volunteers from Stonehurst, the Paines' summer home, who were glad to tour the parish that Robert Treat Paine Jr helped to build. It was also nice to see the Cohn family, who look forward to getting involved in the parish, as well as several other curious souls. Last week also saw our annual work with B Safe, and our field trip to Houghton's Pond. We've so far raised $485 to defray costs of the bus for the field trip and the food, so special thanks to each of you who have donated! One camper on Thursday told me that Bill Fowler's macaroni and cheese was the best lunch he'd had all year, so your donations are certainly appreciated by all.

Otherwise, I'm getting ready to go on vacation-three weeks off (!) starting on Monday. In case of any parish emergencies, senior warden Jonathan Duce is on call, with nearby clergy just a phone call away in case any pastoral issues come up. I'll be with you this week, but after that will be away. We have a stellar lineup of guest clergy, all of whom are fascinating people and good priests. Please don't take the rest of the summer off! This summer our Hebrew Scriptures readings are from Genesis and Exodus, read consecutively, an opportunity we have given the revised lectionary officially adopted at General Convention in 2009. Such good stories, meant to be read aloud, as we engage them on Sundays. I'll miss being with you as you continue on through with Jacob and on with Joseph. One of my favorite moments in the Old Testament comes when Joseph is reunited with his brothers after they sold him as a slave in a jealous rage. They come to him, terrified that he will punish them for their cruelty. Instead, he forgives:

"Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. (Genesis 50:19-20). How often do our own stories reflect that? Even in the darkest and most painful encounters, God never intends for us to suffer, but always is with us.

Blessings,

Sara+