Recent Vestry Notes

Vestry Notes

Vestry Notes (week of 2-15-26)

This Sunday, as we prepare to take down the Reconciliation hangings and change to the Lenten array, I want to take just a few moments to reflect on the power of the hangings we have been seeing for the last many weeks.  The frontal piece is the Log Cabin quilt.  Typically, it would have a red square in the center symbolic of heart and home.  If you were a safe house on the Underground Railroad, you would have used yellow meaning safe beacon.  And so, it is the Safe House quilt is intentionally placed on the altar at Redeemer to say ALL ARE WELCOME HERE.  On the pulpit, the blocks are Broken Dishes and Flower Wreaths.  In many African traditions, flower wreaths are left at the time of burial and broken pottery is left at a grave site to say, “I have been here”.  Those blocks remind us of all who did not survive the journey to freedom; MLK Jr, Steven Biko, Gandhi, Oscar Romero, Harvey Milk, Matthew Shepherd, George Floyd, Renee Good, Alex Pretti and far too many more.  “We thank you and remember as we move boldly on in the faith that, however fearful the oppression, however heavy the arrogance, we are supported by your promise that one day justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.  And peace will abide in our hearts as we work for justice for every race, every nation, every faith, every orientation, every generation, every wounded, wonderful one of your human family.”  May we honor their memory by speaking truth to power

On this last Sunday in the Season of Reconciliation, we will be joined by Rosie Grant, a community advocate and education leader whose work is rooted in the tradition of faith, justice, and collective care. Through her leadership at the Paterson Education Fund, she has helped schools and communities implement restorative practices that center dignity, accountability, and healing, reducing punitive discipline and strengthening relationships among students, families, and educators. Guided by values deeply aligned with the legacy of Absalom Jones, Rosie’s work affirms the belief that transformation happens when we choose repair over punishment, community over exclusion, and love in action. Her commitment reflects a faith-driven call to restore what has been broken and to ensure that every child is seen, heard, and valued.  Join us and be inspired by her tenacity and dedication.  To read more about her work, click the link.

Colleen Hintz for the Vestry

Brian Malcolm, Paulette Bellew, Wardens
Vestry Members: Melissa Allman, Paul Cecala, Agnes Clyne, Leslie Harden, Colleen Hintz, and Barbara Shannon.