Dear People of Saint Mary’s,
I am so grateful and excited that I can finally share the big news. Saint Mary’s is going to have a new rector. Without further ado, let me introduce her!
Our next rector will be the Reverend Lindsey R. Briggs. She/they is an Episcopal Priest, Board Certified Chaplain, and LGBTQ+ Spiritual Care Educator. Previous to coming to Saint Mary’s, Reverend Briggs spent four years in healthcare chaplaincy with specialties in LGBTQ+ Spiritual Care, Palliative Care, and Hospice in New York City. She also teaches LGBTQ+ Spiritual Care at Union Theological Seminary. Prior to her chaplaincy, Reverend Briggs served as the Chief of Staff and Assistant to the Rector at the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York.
While Reverend Briggs has lived in New York for twelve years, she is no stranger to Minnesota winters. Her heart and many dear friends remain in the Twin Cities following the six years she lived in Minneapolis’ Philips neighborhood and worked with a variety of community organizations. Reverend Briggs is thrilled to return to here, as it is where she truly feels at home. She told me that she feels both excitement and a grounded sense of peace at returning to the religious, spiritual, and civic life of this place she loves. Outside of her work, Reverend Briggs loves reading science fiction and exploring nature with her miniature poodle, Georgie.
As you may know, we had multiple candidates who applied to be our next rector. The search committee informed the vestry upon making their recommendation to hire Reverend Briggs of how difficult a choice it was, because we truly had wonderful candidates. I know one thing that impressed me about Reverend Briggs was how well she listened during our conversations, and how she in turn asked additional questions or provided insights that got to the heart of the issue we discussed. She also brings a passion for outreach work, and is excited to work with us as we move toward that again becoming an even bigger focus for what we do as a church.
Reverend Briggs plans to move to Minnesota in May, and will start her first day on the job on June 1. Her first Sunday preaching for us will be June 4, which happens to be Pentecost. I have no doubt that we will all have a chance to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as we welcome Reverend Briggs.
Speaking of welcoming Reverend Briggs, the vestry is forming a welcoming committee to help plan some of the events and activities that will take place upon her arrival. If you are interested in participating with the committee, please let me know via email (michigander_guy at yahoo.com).
I want to take this opportunity to again thank our wonderful search committee of Cathy McNaughton, Catherine Neuschler, Joe McManmon, Jennifer Wedel, Jennie Ward, Ginny Deluca, Emma Brickson and Jane Wells. The team spent over 200 hours together over a year and a half, through multiple twists and
turns to the process before we ever arrived at the point of interviewing our final slate of candidates. They did an amazing job representing Saint Mary’s though this process. Please offer your gratitude to these folks when you have the chance.
Brian Nerbonne
Warden