Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As we begin a new program year, I am pleased to announce that the interim period will soon draw to a close. Incarnation has been in this period since December 2019, when the Rev. Doug Ousley retired as Rector and I assumed the role of Interim Priest in Charge. When COVID struck a few months later, the work of transition that typically happens between Rectors took on an entirely new identity. Pressing pastoral, technological and financial needs took center stage as our city and world faced total upheaval.
Incarnation is in the process of emerging with new strengths forged through adversity and an opportunity for new vision as we consider what our program, mission and worship life with look like in post-pandemic times. Given such unique circumstances, the Vestry entered into prayer and discussion, including conversations with the Rt. Rev. Andrew Dietsche, Bishop of New York, about my continued leadership at Incarnation.
Episcopal Church guidelines, as well as best practices across numerous Christian denominations, prohibit a church from hiring a Rector (or senior minister with tenure) from within. While I am not eligible to assume the role of Rector, Bishop Dietsche has found a way for me to stay at Incarnation on a more permanent basis based on my mutual discernment with the Vestry. I can serve as your Priest in Charge for up to 6 years. This means the search for a new Rector will commence in 5 years.
I am beyond excited for what we can accomplish together over this next chapter for our parish. Discernment continues -- for me, the staff, the Vestry and the congregation -- about where God is calling us to go and how we are to manifest God's love along the way. As part of this new chapter, I will have a further update regarding additional clergy staff at Incarnation very soon.
For now, it pleases me to no end to make another announcement. Our Interim Director of Music, David Ralph, has agreed to stay on with us permanently. Like me, he soon will be dropping "Interim" from his title.
David has been a strong and steady presence since arriving at Incarnation and especially through the pandemic. Even during the height of COVID cases in New York City, he remained faithful to his ministry of music, showing up each week to lift our spirits and carry us in worship through his mastery of the organ. David is a gifted musician, tremendous colleague and friend, and beloved member of our community. He and I both will be assuming our new roles on October 1.
At the request of our Senior Warden, Jonathan Vaughan, I'll close with a few remarks from him:
"Adrian has taken us through some dark times, and her energy, enthusiasm and positive outlook have been a godsend over the last 2 years. As we look forward to 2022 we can feel very grateful that our church leadership, personnel, finances and infrastructure are all built on solid foundations. New York City and the country are now beginning to recover from Covid and we are entering a new period of change and growth, with the right team to lead us forward. May God bless and guide Adrian as our Priest in Charge."
May God bless you, Incarnation. What a privilege to share in this season in ministry together, listening for where the Holy Spirit is calling us next.
In Christ,
Adrian+
