We head this afternoon to Valle Crucis for our annual retreat, a time to reflect on what has been and what we see before us as a Cathedral, a time to reflect on the ways this community listens for and responds to God in our midst.  There is time to reflect on our role in service to this faith community, listening for signs of God's manifestation among us, there is time to think big and in detail, time to laugh, pray, be silent.

Over the years this group of people has been a manifestation of God for me.  Watching them work with one another, listen to, discuss, disagree, and discern together, praying with them, being pushed by them, and seeing how God reveals in and through each of us is a great gift.

As a community, we have been and continue to be served by Vestries who behave as adults, people who take responsibility for their own feelings and beliefs, people who care enough about each other to speak directly, taking responsibility for their own needs, people who disagree with respect, people who work for common understandings and commitments, people who trust each other with their thoughts and beliefs.

As we prepare to go away 'to a quiet place', I am heartened not because I know the outcome of our time together, but because I have come to know and trust these persons and their willingness to see God and find God in themselves and all others around them.

Please keep us in your prayers as we gather and pray for this community and the world over the next several days.

Peace,

Todd Donatelli