Capital

All Saints, East Lansing · Canterbury MSU, East Lansing · Christ Untied, DeWitt · St. Augustine’s, Mason · St. Katherine’s, Williamston · St. Michael’s, Lansing · St. Paul’s, Lansing

This has been a year of significant transition across the Capital Deanery. The challenges of Covid-19, including 2 years of putting everything on hold, has led to a flurry of new engagement, new challenges, and new people!

All Saints, East Lansing welcomed a new curate, The Rev. Krista Heuett, her husband, The Rev. Bradley Heuett, and their two children. Rev. Krista was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Perry on October 13th at All Saints. Canterbury MSU moved into a new home in downtown East Lansing. Their storefront location marks the first time in many decades that they have had a dedicated meeting place of their own. Christ United in Dewitt welcome the Rev. Alex Aivars as Pastor of their ecumenical community. ELCA Bishop Satterlee and Bishop Perry led the celebration of this new ministry on September 14th. The Rev. Melissa Congleton was called as St. Katherine’s priest-in-charge beginning June 1. The Rev. Tim Flynn was installed as Rector of St. Michael’s on October 5th, led by Bishop Perry. And St. Paul’s, Lansing welcomed The Rev. Linda Farmer Lewis, a recently retired United Methodist Pastor, as their Associate.

In the midst of the celebrations of new colleagues and new ministries, we marked a significant ending. Led by Bishop Perry, we gave thanks for the 60+ year ministry of St. Augustine’s to the Mason community at their closing service on September 25th. It was a joy to hear the stories of their life together even as we grieve their closing. We pray God’s blessing upon all who have been a part of the St. Augustine’s. With both deep joy and sorrow we also bid farewell to Claudia Hamlin, the beloved wife of the Rev. Dick Hamlin. Claudia was a force in the deanery, across the diocese, and everywhere she served. Even as she struggled with persistent debilitating health, she spread happiness wherever she went, especially in the choirs she was a part of until nearly her final days.

In this season of transition, we remember God’s promise, “See, I am making all things new.”

The Very Rev. Donna McNiel Missioner, Canterbury MSU