Voice of the Vestry: Perry Suk

This is the first in a series of posts from members of the Vestry, which offer their personal reflections of serving Nativity in their capacity as vestry members.

---

I have been on the Vestry for just over a year, but these past two months, in particular, have been jam-packed with lots of personal experiences for me at Nativity. I have relished them all. Before I continue, I just want to point out that this is not a Spring push for new Vestry members, but rather a little insight into my interactions at church that may not have happened if I weren’t a Vestry member. It’s not that the Vestry has some special knowledge or connections that are unavailable to the church community; it’s just that as a 30-year on-again-off-again parishioner, I never really looked beyond those things that were of interest to me or that I was able to participate in based on time commitments. Now my eyes and heart are wide open to so many special Nativity opportunities, and I thought it might be fun to share! 

After the March Vestry meeting, which lasted longer than usual, I found myself smiling on the way home. It was such a productive and interesting meeting, starting with the Bible Study. I truly appreciate the meaningful, interesting, and sometimes outside-the-box discussions that develop from a reading that Stephanie selects. And that particular evening, we also had the perspective of two ordination candidates, Karen McGugan and Ryan Parker (who had just woken up on the previous Sunday morning and decided he wanted to preach). Wow! Both of these delightful candidates, along with Philip Bass, Cuyler O’Connor, and Anne Stokes, have all been nurtured and mentored by Stephanie as they find their own separate paths into ministry. I highly recommend reaching out to these amazing and inspirational folks! 

As the Vestry liaison to the Children’s Formation, I have been involved in some of the changes that occurred in March; in particular, moving the Sunday School time from before to during the church service. The number of kids, from age 4 to 11, tripled in number creating what one teacher called ‘chaotic joy’! I am grateful to all the volunteers who teach not only the young children but our youth as well and who are willing to be flexible with their time. In addition, I feel lucky to be given this opportunity to meet two generations of parishioners – the young parents and their children! I look forward to Jeremy Clos’s involvement in all levels of formation to more fully integrate multiple generations. 

And then there was the Grounds Work Day! My husband, who pretty much begs me to stay out of the garden due to my ever-so-not-green thumbs, couldn’t believe I was headed to church to help out. But, with the patience and guidance of others, I managed to pull my weight and, yet again, engage with more friendly folks (young and old), connecting names to faces! 

Throughout March and April, I have also spent several Wednesdays knitting with the Chatty Yarns group. I have become addicted, not just to the craft, but to the wonderful group of women who know so much about the history of Nativity as well as what’s happening now! Through our conversations, I’ve learned about what some of them are doing to keep Nativity thriving in Outreach programs, church guilds, and the bell and choir groups (by the way, hats off to Bradley for his incredible musical wisdom!). As a bonus, I also pick up travel pointers as many of the Chatty Yarners have been to faraway places! 

Finally, during Easter Week, I attended my very first Maundy Thursday service, for the sole reason, I admit, that I was scheduled as the Vestry rep that evening. Unexpectedly, the homily, the foot washing, and the stripping of the altar made quite a spiritual impact on me. It was calming, peaceful, and moving; a wonderful way to prepare for the joyfulness of Easter Sunday. 

I hope you can tell that I am grateful to be a part of the Nativity community and I encourage you to embrace as many opportunities as you can! Who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself considering a spot on the Vestry or perhaps a leadership role on one of our many committees. I believe it’s important to share the wealth, so to speak, in order for Nativity to continue to be the special place that it is!

— Perry Suk