Goodbye and Thank you, Rev. Stacey and Dazzle

The Rev. Stacey Grossman and Dazzle came into the life of ECA last September at a time we needed an influx of energy and a consistent presence and worship leader. She has preached words that have been thought provoking and reminds us of God's love for each of us. She has been an active participant in leadership meetings, Vestry, Joint Venture Core Team and the Joint Venture Board. She led us in a Spirit filled Lenten series. She has also provided pastoral care to those of us in need of a listening ear and reassuring words. She has provided a welcoming smile and a wonderful laugh as she greets newcomers and old timers into the church.

And we cannot forget Dazzle as a bouncy, smiling bundle of joy! We thank you and are grateful, Stacey, for your time here at ECA, and we pray that you continue to find joy in whatever God has in mind for you next!

A Note from Stacey

Dear all,

This past Sunday (August 25, 2024) was amazing. I was completely and utterly drained in the best way possible! Thank you for the gifts, the cards, the well-wishes, the hugs, the treats for Dazzle. I bow deeply to you and to the God who creates, lives and moves in us. I send my deepest thanks for the year we spent together.  

With much love and gratitude, I leave you with this favorite prayer

I bow to the one who signs the cross.

I bow to the one who sits with the Buddha.

I bow to the one who wails at the wall.

I bow to the OM flowing in the Ganges.

I bow to the one who faces Mecca,

whose forehead touches holy ground.

I bow to dervishes whirling in mystical wind.

I bow to the north,

to the south

to the east,

to the west.

I bow to the God within each heart

I bow to epiphany,

to God’s face revealed.

I bow. I bow. I bow.

      —Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB

Sr. Joan Chittister was one of nearly a hundred prominent men and women from every religious tradition and region of the world to share a favorite prayer and offer their own reflections on its meaning in the book, A World of Prayer: Spiritual Leaders, Activists, and Humanitarians Share their Favorite Prayers, edited by Rosalind Bradley, Orbis Books 2012.

-Stacey