“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
– Marcel Proust

In considering Proust’s idea, most of us would, rightfully, first think of our families and friends as those who make us happy. For Westminster members, that list may well include the staff members who help us, comfort us, and care for us throughout the year.

Advent is an important time to recognize them, appreciate them, and thank them for all they do to make the church a haven as we face the joys and concerns of life as well as a place central to the growth of our faith and our relationship with God.

Many members of the Westminster family may not have the opportunity to visit the church on weekdays and acknowledge the staff in person. So, on behalf of the congregation and our friends, the Personnel Commission wants to let the staff know that, as Paul wrote to the Corinthians, we want to help them continue to bloom where they have been planted. While it may seem odd to single out one staff member above others, we want to especially thank Jeannie Schott for all she has done for us in her time at Westminster. We wish her well in accepting her extraordinary new opportunity. And for the staff? We will continually work to nurture them, protect them, and care for them as they care for us.

To paraphrase Rudolf Steiner, may their souls bloom in love for all existence.

-- Carolyn Kerr