A Message from Dean Thomason & Canon Nancy Ross Canon Nancy Ross to Return to California

Dear Beloved Saint Mark’s Community,

I have great—and hard—news! My husband Jim has gotten a new job with the Santa Cruz Warriors (G-League basketball) and we’re moving back to California at the end of August. I had imagined that “someday” we’d go back to California to be near family, but did not at all expect “someday” to be soon. But the opportunity came up now, and so now is the time. There is icing on that cake for Jim and me, because our daughter Kelsey has recently moved back to the San Francisco Bay area, too. When all the stars align, you’ve gotta notice! I love it here at Saint Mark’s, and I’m excited about the new things unfolding as we emerge bit by bit from this pandemic era. Being part of this community has been a gift and delight in more ways than I could ever recount. Saint Mark’s is my first call as a priest, and everything I’ve learned here is from being in relationship with you. I will take that experience with me and will begin working as a hospice chaplain in Capitola, CA. More to come, but I wanted to let you know this good news for my family. And I want you to know that leaving you will be one of the hardest moves I’ve ever made. Looking forward to seeing you at church over the rest of the summer! Peace and gratitude,

The Rev. Canon Nancy Ross

From Dean Steve Thomason Dear Friends,

Words cannot express my gratitude to and for Nancy Ross for her nearly six years serving in our midst. Nor can words express the grief I feel in her leave-taking. She is one of the finest priests and colleagues I have ever had the pleasure of serving with, and I will miss her terribly! And yet… setting aside my selfish impulses, I cannot help but be glad for her and bless her in this move with her family. From the day in 2015 that she dropped in for worship with us shortly after moving to Seattle, I have sensed Nancy’s generous spirit at work in her life, and in ours these last several years. What a gift she is to the Church and to us! We are the richer for her having served in our midst. Sunday, August 22, will be her last day with us, and I am delighted that she has agreed to preach and preside at both the 9am and 11am services. We will celebrate with her and bless her as she takes her leave.  Nancy and Jennifer and I have begun laying down transition plans with her departure in mind, and I will share more about that in the coming days. In the meantime, for those in ministries supported by Canon Ross, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to her before August 22 or to me at any time. Please join me in expressing gratitude and good will to Nancy in the coming days. All will be well. Your Brother in Christ,

The Very Reverend Steven L. Thomason Dean and Rector

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral 206-323-0300 [email protected] www.saintmarks.org