August 15, 2023

Dear sisters and brothers, 

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you the Rev. Christie Walton is stepping down as associate rector at St. James, and her last Sunday will be Aug. 27. 

Please join us on that Sunday, following the 10 a.m. service, for a farewell reception and celebration of Christie’s ministry. As is custom, St. James will be collecting a traditional “purse” for Christie to show the parish’s gratitude and send her off with our love and a monetary blessing. You can contribute by giving online, in the mail, or the offering plate; simply designate your gift “Christie’s Purse”. 

Christie has served St. James for the past eight and a half years in three different official capacities—as its assistant rector, its interim rector, and currently, as its associate rector. In that time, she has touched countless lives and made her mark on this parish and the Hendersonville community. We give thanks for the work she has done among us and she will, of course, be missed. 

Christie is exploring a new path for her ministry, and we hold her in our hearts and prayers as she follows God into her vocational future and to her next destination in ministry. As difficult as it may be, it is important to give Christie the space to set her mind toward the next chapter of her ministry. Our diocesan guidelines instruct priests, when transitioning away from a parish, not to be in touch with its members for 6 to 12 months. So be assured that if Christie is not in contact with you after Aug. 27, it is not personal or not for lack of affection. It is simply part of the Church's process to prepare all for what God holds next for each.

In the coming weeks, the Vestry and I will share details about the search process for our next associate rector. But, for now, please be in prayer for your leaders, the St. James staff, and for Christie during this time of transition and take a moment to read Christie's note below and also share with Christie what she’s meant to you as a priest.

With gratitude and prayer, 

David+

Dear St. James Family,

There was a part from Tim’s sermon from a week or so ago on the Feast of the Transfiguration that impressed upon me the certainty of God in a changing and often uncertain world. He said that when we are “pushed and pulled and led outside our comfort zones….that’s precisely when and where our lives are spiritually ripe to catch a glimpse….of a new direction, a vision for a new ministry or just an unfolding path before us that we never would have noticed before.”

This piece of wisdom has been deeply meaningful to me as I have tried to put into perspective these last months and has allowed me to begin to write this challenging letter.

I will be leaving St. James, effective Sunday, August 27. My 8 1/2 years at St. James have been some of the most joyful of my life and ministry and I will never forget the good and fruitful work we have done together: each and every beloved one we’ve buried and still miss; the joy of welcoming the newly baptized; watching children grow into faithful adults; blessing the unions of people who have promised to live together in faith, with God’s help; the prayers we have offered for those who are most in need; the love and laughter shared around many tables. We have loved each other well and for that I am most thankful. I have no doubt that God intended that from the start and that is what I will take with me wherever I go, as I pray you will.

Please take to heart the beginning of a prayer by Therese of Lisieaux: "May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be."

I ask your prayers for me and for my husband Lin as we look forward to the unfolding path ahead. Please know that you will forever be in mine.

With all my love and blessings,



Christie

Please select "Christie's Purse" from the drop-down menu.

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