A Word from Laura: Gratitude for Shenella

“It’s going to take me a while to grieve the loss…”

One of you, a long-time church member, was sharing just how much you will miss Shenella McGaskey.  Shenella has been in her central role in the office at Western for almost 23 years. Whether you’ve said it or not yourself, it’s going to take all of us a while to grieve the loss – including me.

I can’t remember who first used the phrase that Shenella is the one who holds us all together. I know Jesus is the One who does that in the divine sense, but in the eight years that I’ve been at Western, Shenella is the person who has kept us running. Those of you who gathered a few weeks ago to celebrate her work with us recognize what a ministry she has shared.

How she has done her work faithfully – let us count the ways! If you haven’t been around the church during the week, you may not have directly experienced her grace, her calm during challenging situations, or her ability to get the job done. But if you’ve read a worship bulletin or printed mailing or church email, if you called or needed assistance or found all the supplies when you served at coffee hour, you’ve felt her impact.

I want to be clear: no one will replace Shenella. Until we find a part-time director of communications, I will be working on the bulletin and weekly email. The staff will develop new systems for ordering supplies, issuing keys and troubleshooting challenges around the church.

We can also anticipate more times when we’re reminded of the debt of gratitude we owe Shenella. I trust that you join me in sending her blessings and best wishes. Thanks to all who have already been part of the church’s love offering. If you have not yet been able to join the effort, you have time through March 31. (click the link to make a gift.)

Whether have named it or not, it’s going to take a while for the church to grieve; let us send Shenella with blessings, best wishes, and a gift worthy of the gifts she has shared with us,

Laura