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To the beloved community of The Episcopal Church of the Ascension,
I share some news with you today that is bittersweet. I have accepted a call to serve as the Associate Rector at Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA. While Jenny and I are excited about this new opportunity, we are not at all looking forward to ending our time here at Ascension and leaving the Hickory area. My last day with you will be in June. More details on this transition are forthcoming.
I joined Ascension nearly three years ago in the middle of a global pandemic. Despite the difficulties and challenges the pandemic produced, this community made my family and me feel welcome, included, and loved. That is no small task and one that I will not soon forget. Hickory and the Church of the Ascension will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I was ordained to the priesthood, it’s where both of my children were born and baptized, and it’s where I got to first practice the art of priestly ministry. You are an incredible group of people to walk the journey of Christian faith with, and I am so excited to see you continue on that journey.
Many thanks to Karla for all of her guidance, leadership, and support. She is an incredible person to learn the priestly craft from. Thanks to Anita for her loving presence and persevering attitude in tackling the hard questions of ministry. Thanks to Cory for his amazing musical talents and leadership that grace this community with sacred space for contemplation and prayer. Thanks to Bev for her incredible ability to keep this place running efficiently and keep the clergy on task. Thanks to Diane for her skillful understanding and guidance regarding the finances of this complex organization, which facilitates our ministry taking place in the real world. Thanks to Chuck for delicious meals that bring us together for the vastly important act of fellowship.
But most of all, thanks to all of you. Thank you for the opportunity to be present to you. Thank you for letting me walk the way with you. Thank you for sharing part of your lives with me. I am often invited into the parts and places of people’s lives that are vulnerable, grace-filled, uncertain, frightening, and joyous. I consider those to be sacred spaces, indeed.
Thank you for the space to walk with you on life’s journey, and may God bless you and all your journeys ahead.
In Christ,
The Rev. Jared B. Grant
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