The first reading I ever heard in an Episcopal Church was from the book of Isaiah. Shared on a Sunday near the end of Lent, the passage thematically hinted at renewal and resurrection. It read: “Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19). As a teenager, I couldn’t help but feel that the reading was especially appropriate for that particular moment in my life. (Hopefully, you’ll excuse me for indulging in eisegesis…) I felt a mixture of curiosity, anticipation, and hope as I saw a female priest celebrate the Eucharist for the first time, with the passage from Isaiah still echoing in my mind. The radical welcome I experienced that Sunday told me that the Episcopal Church was a place where new things were happening and where I could dare to try new things.
Yet, on that Sunday, I could not have anticipated that I would have the opportunity to serve at a place like St. Bart’s for nearly two years. This week, as I approach my last Sunday at St. Bart’s, I am fervently packing up my apartment and preparing to move to New Haven to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at Yale Divinity School, the Institute of Sacred Music, and Berkeley Divinity School. I will spend the next three years engaged in Biblical, theological, historical, ministerial, and cultural studies. In doing so, I will continue to explore a potential call to ordained ministry in an academic context.
As I reflect on my time as St. Bart’s Associate for Newcomer Welcome and Engagement, I recognize what a gift it has been to watch visitors enter the narthex as strangers and then grow to find their place in the church. I’ve been privileged to stand alongside families as their loved ones are baptized. I’ve had the joy of witnessing Zack+ formulate Imagine Worship, carving out a new space for weeknight reflection and connection. I’ve had life-changing opportunities to visit the Holy Land and attend General Convention. Throughout it all, the people have been at the very center of this remarkable place.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the clergy and staff's radical generosity toward me. They have consistently been willing to share their time and guidance, and I am sincerely grateful for what I hope will be lasting connections among them. In my absence, my colleague Teagan Sage will take on the lion's share of my former newcomer welcome and engagement duties. We have been collaborating in anticipation of this transition, and I know he is eager to step into this new role. I look forward to seeing newcomer ministries continue to develop under his capable leadership.
When I reach moments of transition such as this one, I still reflect on Isaiah 43:18-19. The passage helps me to consider the tension between continuity and change and the subtle, sometimes nearly imperceptible nature of growth. Thank you for making this change a holy endeavor, for letting me do a new thing at St. Bart’s, and for supporting me as I do a new thing in seminary. Know that St. Bart’s will continue to be in my prayers during this time of transition.
With deep gratitude,
Bailey
