Embracing Change: A Farewell to Fr. Nathan and His Family

By Steve Conley, Sr. Warden with Tom LaPlante, Jr. Warden

For two weeks, I have had Fr. Nathan’s sermon about change on my mind. Change is everywhere around us in our lives, and it is often difficult, and sometimes unwelcome.

But with change can also come excitement. Fr. Nathan and his family have the excitement of moving to a home that is very special to Erin. Fiona gets her own apartment! Nathan will have his father close, and Erin will have her mother close. Their other children will be within driving distance, and they all have pledged to see each other more often. This is a wonderful opportunity for their family, and I am happy for them.

I’ve reflected on the last 12 years and what an impact Nathan has had on my life at Saint Mary’s and outside the realm of Sunday mornings. I’m sure you all have reflected on Fr. Nathan’s time here as well. We have him with us until the end of September.

Let’s celebrate this wonderful family and thank them for the time they have spent in Maine. Our first opportunity will be at the Soiree on August 11 from 5-7 pm. Beth is keeping a list in her office of reservations, and we hope as many as possible will be able to join us for a wonderful night filled with food, drinks, and wonderful fellowship. We are also planning an event in September, closer to their departure, to celebrate their ministry with us for the past nearly twelve years. More information will follow.

Tom and I met with Bishop Thomas on Friday, July 19, to begin to ‘post’ the interim and permanent rector positions. We will take our time with each position to ensure the best fit for Saint Mary’s. We have a lot of work to do prior to the next vestry meeting on the third Wednesday of August.

Foundation 135 is moving along with various committees working on a variety of the projects. The fundraising, construction on the sanctuary, construction on the rectory, and research into the daycare center are all moving forward. The repairs to the church will not begin until late spring of 2025 at best, and the work at the rectory will hopefully begin in the late fall of this year.

Life is short. We don’t have much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk this way with us. So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind!