Dear St. James’ Parish Family,
It’s been a great first week at St. James’ and it’s only been a day and a half! It is great to finally be with you and I am looking forward to worshipping with those of you who will be around this holiday weekend. The good news is that I’ll be the following Sunday too!
As I wrote about last week in the Keeping YOU Informed newsletter, I want to start our time together by sharing a few details. My office is now set up (including my religious kitsch collection – stop by for a peek!) and my regular days in the office will be Mondays-Thursdays. In the next few weeks I hope to also add some office hours at one of the local cafés or coffee shops as well. Fridays are my Sabbath days and I will not check email or voicemail on that (unless there is a pastoral emergency). Speaking of, both email and phone are great ways to reach me. I will continue to use the rector@stjamesmtairy.org email, and my cell phone (yes, use it!) is 443-902-0106.
I have an open door policy and welcome conversation. I want to hear from you – your hopes, concerns, questions, and joys! I have found that it works best to schedule appointments, so drop me an email or give me a call. And, if you’re in the neighborhood and want to pop in I am happy to chat if I’m available.
Finally, as I previously shared, I am bringing with me a tool that I used in my last two parishes and have found to be a helpful way of being in relationship and community. My hope is that the 10 Rules for Respect (see next page) are a great way for us to begin together. I will be sharing and talking more about these in the coming weeks, and I’d love to hear what about them strikes a chord and what about them feels like a growing edge.
I am so very happy to be here and joining you in ministry, and am thankful for the movement of the Spirit among us. See you soon!
In peace,
Kristin+
10 Rules for Respect…
1. If you have a problem with me, come to me (privately).
2. If I have a problem with you, I will come to you (privately).
3. If someone has a problem with me and comes to you, send them to me. (I’ll do the same for you)
4. If someone consistently will not come to me, say, “Let’s go to Kristin together. I am sure she will see us about this.” (I will do the same for you.)
5. Be careful how you interpret me-I’d rather do that. On matters that are unclear, do not feel pressured to interpret my feelings or thoughts. It is easy to misinterpret intentions.
6. I will be careful how I interpret you.
7. If it’s confidential, don’t tell. If you or anyone comes to me in confidence, I won’t tell unless a) the person is going to harm himself/herself, b) the person is going to physically harm someone else, c) a child has been physically or sexually abused. I expect the same from you.
8. I do not read unsigned letters or notes.
9. I do not manipulate; I will not be manipulated; do not let others manipulate you. Do not let others manipulate me through you. I will not preach “at you.” I will leave conviction to the Holy Spirit (she does it better anyway!)
10. When in doubt, just say it. The only dumb questions are those that don’t get asked. Our relationships with one another, at the end of the day, are the most important things so if you have a concern, pray, and then (if led) speak up. If I can answer it without misrepresenting something, someone, or breaking a confidence, I will.
From an article by Church of the Nazarene pastor Charles Christian, via The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel (Bishop, Diocese of Olympia).