Dear Creator Family,
Thank you for your prayers after last Sunday’s online worship service. The COVID exposure which caused us to cancel the in-person service was a confirmation that we must remain diligent. Please continue to pray for David and all members of our Parish Family as we struggle to stay abreast of the changing information regarding the virus. Today I welcomed Energy Auditors from Eco-House Now, an energy use and planning company engaged by the Diocese. Not a cursory visit! They walked our property for a couple of hours, making an assessment of our current energy footprint and designing a plan for changes we could make. Their recommendations will include, among other things, new portico lights (already on the list to complete the painting project outside). I am very excited that these changes include a plan for solar panels and possible energy independence. The state of Virginia is very SLOW to embrace the value of solar power, but there have been some advancements that may make a project like this possible for us. I expect the full report in two weeks. Last week, I submitted to the Health Department a “Soil Scientist” design for our new drain field. They also will respond in two weeks with an approval or a request for modification. In the meantime, I have also submitted that plan to several companies to bid on the project and hope to have their bids prior to receiving the Health Department report. As soon as we receive the report and the bids, I will inform the Parish and the Vestry to move forward with the repair of our septic system which has been in disrepair for months, interrupting our Sunday worship and making the facility off-limits for larger gatherings and groups. As you know from the joys of home ownership, that 30-40 year mark can be a doozie, as appliances and large home systems “expire” and need replacing. Remember that Creator’s 1970s drainage and septic system has far outlived its expected lifetime! While we take on property care and maintenance, we are hastily looking to “take off” the accumulation of items for our yard sale. Here is where you can help. Our Junior Warden, Jim Eppes, is actively working with several charities to donate Yard Sale items to their ministries. In one week, we will move to more aggressively liquidate furniture, which may include a one-day fire sale—an “all bids welcomed, take it now” sort of affair. The details of this proposal are still being worked out. It will require no work on the part of the Parish aside from manning the door and coming behind to clear and tidy what remains. I can’t emphasize enough that there are many little helpful ways we can restore our parish building to its clear, clean, hospitable best. Please don’t assume that a tireless few have got it “all taken care of.” Touching the first phase of the Vision Ministry’s reflection, Lee Barron and Mary Anne Taylor have been working daily to clean and organize the Book Sale items. Their hard work is an inspiration and an important piece in the plan to revitalize the building. Additionally, Mary Anne Taylor is organizing a crew to inventory and clean the parish hall kitchen. If you can help with this project, please contact her ASAP at 804-730-4625. These are only a few of the projects we hope to check off soon so we can move on to fall programs and ministries. Thank you for your prayers and patience—and for finding a way you can serve. I look forward to the cleaning out of our Parish Hall and the exciting opportunities that are to come. Peace in Christ, Fr. Bill+
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AuthorFather Bill Burk† Archives
February 2025
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