A March Miscellany

The Rev. Scott E. Richardson, Rector

I want to share some news with you on a variety of topics. The first item has to do with our commitment to Youth Ministry. Our vestry has allocated a small stipend to pay for the services of a youth minister and I have offered that sum to Mike Stafford. Mike has been one of the key volunteers in this area for the past several years and has agreed to take the lead role as a part–time member of our staff. In order to make room in his life for this call, Mike will finish his term on the vestry at the end of 2013 but will immediately step down from his role as Junior Warden. We are delighted by his decision and deeply grateful to all the adult leaders of the group, to the youth who participate, and to the parents who support that choice.

The second item has to do with the frequency of our issuing the Cow Hollow Church News. This is one of the best church publications I’ve ever come across, and I am profoundly indebted to Sandra Gary for the extraordinary effort she puts into our newsletter. We have come to the conclusion that fewer issues will be needed in the future as we come to rely more on electronic communication. So look for an issue to arrive every season (March, June, September, and December) that will be both reflective and celebratory. Information about coming events will be found in the weekly e–blast and the Sunday announcements.

The third item has to do with a new ministry or, more precisely, with the renewal of an important ministry effort. On April 20, we are going to hold a thank–you event for every person who has, in any way, remembered St. Mary’s in their life plans. We have an existing list of those who have previously let us know that these arrangements have been made. But that list is almost ten years old, and it is possible that many others have since made such plans. So I have a favor to ask – if you have made arrangements to remember this parish in your will, or through some other vehicle, would you please let me know, so that we can invite you to this event? You can get me on the phone (415–921–3665 x 306) or via email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Finally, I’m pleased to report that I’m going to soon move out of my current office so that we can make more space available for adult formation. We have had to make a few minor adjustments that have slowed our progress temporarily but hope to have this project completed by Palm Sunday. Your clergy and lay leaders are looking forward to sharing time with all who wish to grow deeper roots through study and prayer. And to that end, may God be with you as you continue your Lenten journey.