This Sunday morning was bittersweet as we gathered for the last sermon by our interim minister, Rev. Charlotte Wright. With her characteristic thoughtfulness and grace, she led us in worship one final time, offering the same steady presence that has guided our church through these past two years.
At coffee hour, we honored Charlotte in the best way we knew how: with cake, festive hats, and a room full of people who came to wish her well. But in typical Charlotte fashion, she humbly redirected the praise. She spoke not of her own steadfast leadership, nor of the many accomplishments she orchestrated over the past two years, but instead of the strength and progress of the church itself. She reminded us how far we had come together.
The truth, though, is that we could not have done it without her. Charlotte’s steady hand on the tiller, her dedication, and her enthusiasm carried us through an important and transformative time. Under her leadership, our church found its independence, completing the long and difficult process of disaffiliating from the Methodist denomination so that we could truly serve as a beacon for our community. We now stand on our own, able to chart our course with clarity and purpose.
There was more—so much more. The new, “green” heating system that will keep us warm in the winter. The hiring of our wonderful music minister, Sean McMahon, whose gifts have enriched our worship. The thoughtful search and call for our new minister, Janet Stoddard. The new website that better connects us with each other and the wider world. All of this, and more, happened under Charlotte’s guidance.
We send her off with love and deep gratitude, knowing that wherever she goes next, she will bring the same wisdom, kindness, and grace that she shared so generously with us. And we know this, too—she will always have a home in our hearts.
Blessings on your new adventures, Charlotte. You will be dearly missed.
