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News from All Saints' Church
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All Saints' Church
The Rev. JK Melton
Priest-in-Charge
January 2, 2017
 
Dear sisters and brothers,
 
When the search committee and vestry were interviewing me as we discerned my call to be your priest, I learned that you had an outstanding deacon—and I learned that she was discerning a call to new ministry elsewhere. Indeed, both are true. It is abundantly clear to me that the support that the Rev. Deacon Holly Galgano has given to All Saints’ these past five years is a key part of why the interim period was so fruitful in the life of All Saints’ Church. It is also quite clear that she will be missed. Indeed, Holly has informed me that January 22 will be her last Sunday among us.
 
I ask you to join us in worship on January 22, as we will bid Holly farewell that day. We will remember the ways that she has enriched our parish life, and we formally part ways. We will acknowledge the parting during our worship, and we will celebrate the good things that God has done in our midst through Holly’s presence, particularly as we gather after worship.
 
The ministry of the deacon is vitally important to the life of the church, serving as a sacramental sign of our shared servant ministry. Holly has certainly embodied that among us, particularly in her work caring for our parishioners who cannot attend worship. She has been a presence to many of you in times of trouble these past several years, and she has provided a consistency that is often underappreciated but absolutely vital to the health of a parish. I will certainly miss her kind heart, her desire to care for those who have difficulty, and her generosity to those around her. I suspect you all have even more that you will miss, and I encourage you to share that with her in the upcoming weeks.
 
I trust that you will join me in keeping Holly in your prayers as she discerns what is next. Often, such discernment is best done while taking a bit of break, and I commend Holly’s wisdom in choosing to take some time to listen to where God is calling her now. Ministry is tiring, and she has earned some time off in that respect, too. I am confident that she will let us know as soon as she has discerned the next steps in her ministry. Likewise, I know that you will join me in extending an open invitation to her to come back and visit All Saints’ at anytime.
 
God bless you, and see you in church,

The Rev’d JK Melton
Priest-in-Charge
 

Dear All Saints’ family,

“Parting is such sweet sorrow,” as Shakespeare wrote. It is with both a heavy heart and yet a joyful spirit that I say goodbye and adieu as your deacon. I feel sadness and nostalgia because of the close bonds that have been formed serving first as a parishioner and, for these past five years, as your deacon; I sense joy because I believe that God is calling me to service elsewhere.

In 1990 I discovered All Saints’ while looking for a church where our youngest daughter Piper could be baptized. Having just moved from Manhattan, I phoned several churches, to hear their baptism dates and classes were full or where the response I received was not welcoming. One day I randomly heard the All Saints’ bell tolling, and I called and made an appointment to meet with the priest. The Rev. Constance Coles could not have been more welcoming, and she readily scheduled a baptism date convenient for our family.

The first person I met at the baptism was All Saints’ official greeter, Ethel Leinen, then in her 90’s: “I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of meeting you. Welcome to All Saints,” her well known greeting. Between Constance’s warm reception and Ethel Leinen’s sincere embrace, I sensed God’s spirit present at All Saints’.

But what to do about Sunday School for my children? The church families were few, and little Christian Ed offered. My head told me to join a larger congregation for my kids’ sake, but something happened which kept me returning: I heard God’s call to serve at All Saints’. I’ll never forget the moment. I had pulled up in front of the church, probably my signature 5 minutes late, and was talking myself out of going in. “The congregation is small, not much happening here, etc.” and then I heard a still, small voice say, “You are here to serve, not to be served.”

I dug in and began to serve in lots of arenas—literally, dug, starting with the gardens. Then Constance asked me to be on the vestry, and the rest is history. Two vestry terms and lots of committees later, I began to serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister. It was while administering the cup at Eucharist that I most strongly felt the call to the diaconate. Divine Love just seemed to flow. I felt such joy in serving.

After a conversation with Constance and then with Fr. Jonah, the process of discernment began. I’ll always cherish my wonderful discernment committee—Muriel Adamy (deceased), Anne Bradner and Nick Barnwell. All Saints’ raised me up, recommended me to the bishop for candidacy, and I began my formation: four years of EFM, monthly diaconal training, as well as clinical pastoral training.

I served my year of field placement at Trinity-St. Paul’s in New Rochelle, and after ordination, remained there as deacon for three years. I returned after the vestry of All Saints’ negotiated with the bishop for my return. I assisted during a healing transition time, and then with Fr. David for nearly five years. Each time the bishop’s office allowed me to stay “just one more year,” but still I remained, believing my pastoral care was needed at All Saints’. I always knew, was told and informed others, that as soon as a call was made for a new priest, I must be moving on, which is customary in our diocese—much like when a new administration takes over in government.

I am thrilled that the Vestry has called Fr. JK to All Saints’. I know God’s hand is in this, because he so closely fits the description that the vestry was hoping for. Your prayers have been answered, I believe, in the arrival of JK as your new priest. I feel excited and optimistic about his ministry at All Saints’. In just the short time we have overlapped, I have been so impressed by his dedication, integrity, and faithfulness. I know you are in good hands, so leaving is not as difficult as it would be otherwise.

As of yet, I don’t know where God is calling me to serve. My mission at the beginning of 2017 is to listen and discern that call—more than likely it will be in a still, small voice, confirmed by welcoming, good people of God.  You’ll remain in my heart and prayers.

With love,
Deacon Holly
Copyright © 2017 All Saints Church, All rights reserved.


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