Meet Good Shepherd: Merger of Oxford & Auburn

Meet Good Shepherd: Merger of Oxford & Auburn

The Rev. Vicki Ix, Managing Editor, ABUNDANT Times

On October 31st, the bishop visited the Jesus movement in Oxford. This Visitation was special, though, as it was his first to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church – the new congregation formed from St. Thomas, Auburn and Grace Church, Oxford.

There is always a story with a new name, and Tracy Stowbridge, Co-Senior Warden, tells it with wonder:

“Behind [the cross, there] were three stained glass windows, but you couldn’t see them. The naming committee toured the church for inspiration to come up with the perfect name. We looked behind the cross and saw the Shepherd [stainedglass window]. We cranked up the cross and revealed the three windows. The next Sunday people were in awe over the windows, asking if we had just put them in. We announced the [proposed] name and people understood why.”

In an earlier piece the Rev. Julia Dunbar spoke about the deeper meaning of the new name. “We believe that the true Good Shepherd led us throughout the process to where we are now.”

“When St. Thomas joined with Grace, Mimi [Royston] was their Senior Warden and I was St. Thomas’,” writes Stowbridge. “We teamed up help blend our churches. It was like The Brady Bunch. We supported both Auburn and Oxford communities until we could find common ground. With the help of Deacon Audrey [Cronin] and Carol Uppgard, it looks like the transition house next to us is that [new] joint mission.”

Mergers are complex and feelings are of utmost importance. In the months before the decision to merge was made, Mimi Royston, then Senior Warden of Grace Church, Oxford, wrote to acknowledge the complexity of closing a church in a pandemic:

“St. Thomas had just announced that they would be closing their church in May 2020. They had a plan. Pentecost Sunday would be their last service in their church. Then COVID-19 hit. 'Incomplete Grief' (a term used in Psychology Today magazine) or 'Complicated Grief' (a term used for any loss that occurred during COVID-19), stalled the rituals and grieving process for St. Thomas. I am no expert on grief but I am very sensitive to it given the losses in my personal life. I extend my condolences to all St. Thomas Parishioners and ask that they attend church at Grace, Oxford so that we can mourn with you and support you on that day for the loss of your beloved church.”

On the great day of Pentecost, the cross and font that once resided at St. Thomas were blessed for service in Oxford. The Rev. Julia Dunbar led with exquisite pastoral sensitivity as the two communities got to know each other and began to imagine a more long-term commitment.

“I do want to talk about the joys [of the merger],” writes Mimi Royston, Co-Senior Warden. The many hands that make our work lighter! It is amazing. Our ability to outreach and do ministry activities has been rejuvenating. We have more hands than before and we are so grateful!”

The October visitation was also a Celebration of New Ministry for the Reverend Julia Dunbar who had been priest-in-charge at Oxford before the merger. “I’m grateful,” Bishop Fisher wrote, “to all who did the holy work of bringing these congregations together and welcoming all.” ♦