From the Senior Warden

Hello Buck Mountain Congregation,

Let us start with a huge thank you to Rev. Connie Clark for her 17 years of spiritual leadership for this congregation. The luncheon on November 2 was beautiful. Thank you to Diane Symmes for her leadership organizing the luncheon. Thank you to all who set up and cleaned up. Many hands and hearts were involved. Thank you to Lauren Black for the delicious menu. Thank you to my wife, Ann, for her idea and organizing the book of memories presented to Connie. Thank you to all who contributed to that book. Thank you to Ellen for asking Matalie to paint the beautiful piece of art showing Connie receiving Gene, Leo, and Margaret leaving a service. Thank you to all who have contributed to the purse that was presented to Connie at her last service on November 16.

As 2025 comes to a close, I am grateful for so many blessings. The support felt by me and all of the Vestry this year has been wonderful. Your prayers and support are a blessing to us.

Congratulations to the Food Pantry and all of the BMEC congregation that provided a Thanksgiving meal to over 100 clients. Wow! The service to our greater community through the Food Pantry and AIM is simply amazing for a congregation of this size.

We are so happy to welcome Rev. Mary L. Staley as our Interim Priest-in-Charge. Please continue to pray for the Discernment Committee as they continue the important work of listening to the congregation and discerning the next Priest to lead this wonderful congregation.

Letters and pledge cards have been mailed and received. Please prayerfully consider your financial support of our church. In addition to prayer and action, financial support is needed to keep BMEC more than viable. It is needed to keep us moving forward.

Time and Talent are two equally important arms of Stewardship. There will be three open spots on the Vestry beginning January 2026. Please prayerfully discern if you would like to be considered for the very important year ahead. As you know, these candidates will be present-ed and voted on at the annual meeting in January. The date for the annual meeting is not set yet, but as usual it will be early in January. I will communicate via email the date as soon as it is set.

As we move through Advent, I hope that we all can take time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the Incarnation of Christ on earth. Though the Advent season can be busy with baking, shopping, family, and other social gatherings, I pray that we can all take the time to put the “reason for the season” as our first priority.

Peace,
Rob Michel
Senior Warden