New pastor installed at historic Christ Church in La Plata, Wayside
On Saturday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m., the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of the Washington Diocese, officially installed the Rev. Kate Heichler as new pastor at Christ Church in La Plata and Christ Church in Wayside, according to a news release. The festive worship service was held at Christ Church in La Plata, 112 Charles Street.
Heichler recently moved to Charles County from Washington, D.C. Much of her ordained ministry has been spent in Connecticut, where she also led a regional interfaith council and was deeply involved in ministries among people who are homeless — including efforts to end homelessness, according to the release. She has a track record of innovative worship and getting congregations more engaged in their surrounding communities.
“I believe we are most fully the church when we’re outside our buildings,” she said in the release. “What we do inside is celebrate and recharge — our real life as a church happens beyond our walls.”
The two historic parishes, one founded in 1683 and the other in 1692, began to share one pastor three years ago. Though distinct in history, identity and style, the two congregations have found new life in collaborating through shared clergy and music ministers.
Saturday’s service included a sermon given by the Bishop of Washington, special music and the giving of gifts to the new pastor symbolizing different aspects of the church’s ministry. La Plata Mayor Jeannine James was a participant, as were other area clergy members.
For more information, call the church office at 301-3921051, or go to www.christchurchlaplata.org.