New Call

A letter sent out to my parish a couple of weeks ago....

Dear Beloved People of God,

For nearly five years, I have started every letter and newsletter article with this salutation. It reflects two truths. First, that you are truly beloved by God, who desires each one of us more than we can ask or imagine. Secondly, that I have loved you as a priest and pastor - sometimes imperfectly, but always joyfully. I have felt that love returned many times over in word and action. The members of St. Johns have opened their hearts to Micky, Brendan, Brigid and I, and we are aware of how richly God has blessed us here. It is our mindfulness of this community of love and support that makes writing this letter so difficult.

The vestry of St. Matthias church in Waukesha, Wisconsin has extended a call to me to be their next rector and after much thought and prayer, I have decided to accept. My acceptance has nothing to do with deficiency on the part of St. John’s. Indeed, I was not actively looking for a position, but my name was submitted simultaneously by both a member of the congregation and by the Bishop of Milwaukee to their search committee. Since then, it has become apparent that my skill set and inclinations are a very close match to their needs as they face a very challenging time in the life of their parish. After discernment involving prayer and discussions with family and trusted mentors, I believe that I am being called by the Holy Spirit to this challenge.

My last Sunday at St. Johns will be December 30^th. We plan to move in early January and I will assume my new position in the middle of that month. In the meantime, your vestry will begin to form a search committee to find and call your next rector.

I can say without reservation that St. Johns has been the most unique and alive congregation I have ever been associated with. The solid liturgy, amazing outreach, and commitment to the stewardship of God’s creation (symbolized by the Memorial Garden) are all reflections of an outstanding family of Christians who take their baptismal covenant seriously and do not rely on a person in a collar to drive them forward. I am very aware of the fact that no other congregation I serve during my career may be so active. It has been my extraordinary pleasure to serve you, and I assure you that St. Johns will always serve me as a template for what a church with an empowered laity really can do.

Thank you for loving us. I will always keep St. Johns and her people in my prayers.

Yours in Christ,

David

Comments

[Frank]

David+

I am late in seeing this. Congratulations, traveling mercies and all that. This should be an exciting time for you and your family.

peace,
Frank+