Christ the King Sunday 2014 

  

Dear People and Friends and Supporters of St. Peter's,

Today marks the end of the Church year. A new year begins next Sunday with Advent I, and with the secular New Year to follow. So today, as an ending with a new beginning ahead of us, is an appropriate time to share an ending and new beginning for all of us.

 

I have accepted a call to be the 12th rector of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Columbus. A Letter of Agreement has been signed with the Vestry of St. Philip's and my work there will begin on January 1, 2015.  Therefore, I am resigning as rector of St. Peter's, Delaware, effective December 31st 2014, with my last Sunday being December 28th.  

 

I have submitted my resignation to the Vestry at today's meeting.  

 

Bishop Breidenthal has given his assent to this call and the Rev'd Canon Lynn Carter-Edmands will be available to help us through this transition. Lynn will be with St. Peter's on January 4th - the first "official" Sunday of transition time. A representative of the Bishop will be with us on December 28th as I take leave from the parish.

           

This news comes to you in a letter, via email and hard copy, for two reasons. The first is my resignation had to be given to the Vestry first and they met today. The second reason, while acknowledging this is not the most personal way to share such news, is will reach all of the parish, friends and supporters of the parish and the wider community all at once. Everyone will get the same message at the same time. 

 

This was and is a hard letter to write. Not just because of the complications of timing for this development with the holidays, my recent return from sabbatical, our plan to move, and some of the issues we are working through with regard to space, etc. as a parish.

 

No, what makes this so difficult to write this letter of resignation is to acknowledge that I am leaving a people I have loved, served, worked with, and learned so much from over these past seven years. Not many may know that I was offered two positions in the same weekend back in 2007. I give thanks often that the Spirit led me to St. Peter's. And I give thanks now, too, today.

 

It is deeply ironic that our time, together as priest and people is the very thing that attracted St. Philip's to me as a candidate and to elect as rector. As well, to be very be honest, what we have done together created a desire in me to share the ministry we have forged with the wider church. That is to say, what I have learned here, plus and minus, has made me a better priest for the Church, and a better Christian to live in the world.

 

And that is thanks to all of you.

 

I wish to end this letter as I will end my ministry with you all: in deep appreciation and with deep love, and respect for you. And, I trust, in friendship.

 

In the days ahead I invite you, as I always have, to contact me with anything that may be on your mind. Call, email, or just stop by to share your thoughts, ideas, ask questions, pray together, or simply say good-bye. I would like that very much.

 

May God who has stirred us into this season of transition in our lives, continue to bless us as we have been blessed, as I have been blessed in my and my family's time with you.

 

In peace, with love, and with a grateful heart,

           

 

            Charles Wilson +

Rector