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Dear Friends in Christ,
One of the realities of parish life—especially in congregations like St. Paul’s with multiple priests—is that clergy come and go. These transitions are always difficult, especially when a priest has served for many years. We become accustomed to listening to the same voices from the pulpit, seeing the same priests at the altar, and connecting closely in meaningful pastoral relationships. When a priest leaves, it is natural to experience a time of grief and loss. Yet, the rotation of arrivals and departures of clergy is a healthy reminder that St. Paul’s is not the clergy’s parish but your parish.
So, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that the Rev. Barbara Kempf has been called to a new and important ministry with The Episcopal Church. Starting in August, she will serve as the Title IV Intake Officer for Bishops. In general, intake officers are responsible for managing processes, obtaining facts, and determining if offenses may have occurred when clergy are accused of misconduct. In this newly created position, Barb will be part of the Presiding Bishop’s staff, working closely with the Chancellor of The Episcopal Church and the Bishop for the Office of Pastoral Development to design a system to deal with complaints against bishops and instill trust among all those involved. Barb’s pastoral presence and law school education make her particularly well-suited for this ministry.
Ten years ago, Barb joined the staff of St. Paul’s to serve as our Pastoral Associate. This quarter-time position eventually became a half-time position which then expanded to three-quarters time. Her title changed to Associate Rector for Intergenerational Ministry as she added responsibility for adult formation to her continued focus on pastoral ministry. To say we will miss her is an understatement. We’ve been blessed for a decade by her pastoral presence, thoughtful sermons, wise support of staff and volunteers, faithful leadership from the altar, outstanding teaching, and delightful sense of humor. For me, working with Barb these past 10 years has been one of the great blessings of my ordained ministry.
As we trust that God is guiding Barb into this new opportunity, we also trust God is guiding St. Paul’s. Over the next several weeks I will work with the wardens, staff and parish leadership to determine how we will proceed during this time of transition and to discern what our needs will be for the future. While I’m sure you have many questions, I thank you in advance for your patience and assure you St. Paul’s will continue to respond to your pastoral needs and concerns.
Because of previous commitments, Barb will be away for most of the month of July. She will return for a celebration of her ministry following worship on Sunday July 30, 11:15 a.m.-12 noon in the courtyard. For those who may wish to give a monetary gift to Barb, online donations can be made here. You can also mail a check to the Church Office, or place one in the offering plate on Sunday (please note: Thanksgiving for Rev. Barb Kempf).
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts: Give your grace, we humbly pray, to Barbara now called to a new ministry. Clothe her with holiness of life, that she may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great Name and for the benefit of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(adapted from The Book of Common Prayer)
Your friend in Christ,
John
The Rev. John Denson, D.Min
Rector
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