December 03, 2020
A New Beginning
Advent marks the new year in the life of the church, a time of new beginnings.

Today, I write to tell you that I have been called to a new beginning, a new position in another diocese, and therefore have submitted my resignation to the Vestries and Bishop Morris Thompson. My last day will be Sunday, December 27, 2020. 

It has been a great honor to be the Rector of Annunciation and Vicar of Mount Olivet. I came to Annunciation in my twenties and leave now in my forties, after 13 transformative years. And while my time with Mount Olivet has been shorter, it has been no less meaningful. Both parishes are forever part of my formation. You have raised me up and supported me, and I will carry Annunciation and Mount Olivet with me in my future work as a priest.

It is natural for this announcement to cause some anxiety. As I recently heard another priest tell his congregation: Just as God called me here. God will call someone else here. Lay people, not the clergy, are the backbone of any church, as I have reminded you many times from the pulpit. Priests, even when they stay for a long time, are never in a church as long as the laity are. The strength of ministry at Annunciation and Mount Olivet is because of you. In the coming days, the Senior Wardens will share more information about next steps.

Advent is also a season of preparation. So let us carry on the work we have been called to do together, as we prepare for a new year in the life of the Church and a new beginning for our parishes. One of our favorite hymns to sing at Annunciation is God Will Take Care of You. This timeless truth continues to be true for you and me. I look forward to several more weeks of worshipping, studying, and working together. As it is written in the Letter to the Hebrews, “let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” 

I remain yours in Christ,