This has been a difficult winter for All Souls after Forrest’s announcement that his cancer has returned. But his return to the chancel on Palm Sunday gave the congregation an emotional outlet for all the pent-up sadness when he preached to an overflow crowd that spilled into the vestibule and the chapel. We are hoping and praying for many more of his sermons to come.

The winter quarter is always a busy time at All Souls as the church takes care of its business by holding its Annual Meeting and Budget Meeting to elect new Board members and new Deacons, set new financial goals and hand out well deserved awards. Several articles in this issue deal with these events as well as with the two Auctions that provide the funds for our outreach programs. These matters may seem tedious at times but they must be communally decided in our kind of congregational organization. All members of our church community need to be informed and aware of our financial needs and about who manages our affairs. The articles by Lois Chazen on the Annual Meeting, the Budget Meeting, the Heart & Soul Auction and the inaugural Invitational Art Sale go far in informing us all.

Other articles in this issue deal with the strange confluence of events dealing with Transcendentalism this winter (see articles: "The Transcendentalists at All Souls" and "The Emerson Circle Presents Susan Cheever"). In addition, most groups reported other interesting programs, only a few of which can be highlighted this time. A newly formed group, the Circle of Elders, is off to a promising start and the article on the Church Council and its functions echoes the need for congregational action and heralds the upcoming all-church Fun Day event.

—Marietta Moskin

In future issues of the Quarterly, we would like to highlight special achievements in the lives of our members: books, articles, awards, performances, etc. Please let us know about your recent achievements, creative or otherwise. Please contact Marietta Moskin at 212-289-7900 or by e–mail at m.moskin@verizon.net.

Contributors to this issue:
Lois Chazen
Susan Cushman
Susan Hœhn [photo of Grace Garner]
Mary-Ella Holst
Marietta Moskin