A Message from Ama Beth...
(please note, this letter has also been mailed via post to all parishioners)
July 25, 2016
Dear St. Andrew's family,
There is a famous passage from Chapter 3 of the book of Ecclesiastes,
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; 7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace." It speaks to the paradoxes in our lives and the reality that the only constant is change, God's grace and love.
I write to share with you that the season and time of my journey with you will soon end. I will retire as of January 1, 2017, nearly ten years after we began this spiritual adventure in 2007. My final service will be December 18th, the Christmas Pageant. I want to assure you that it is not because of my half time status or my current commute to and from NH that has precipitated this decision. In reality, I have been doing this type of ministry and care of others through education for nearly 39 years. It is now the season for me to spend time with Dave, our children and growing grandchildren.
There will be lots of feelings that you will have around this; surprised, not surprised, sadness, gratitude for our time together and maybe a bit of anger and wondering why now? I too, have a multitude of feelings, but know that it is the right decision and I am full of gratitude the many people who have been part of my time here; for the joys, sorrows, tears and laughter we have shared. It has been a great privilege to be your spiritual leader these many years.
You may wonder, "Why tell everyone so far in advance in July when we have 5 months left?" These 5 months will pass quickly. It is important that the parish start to plan for St. Andrew's future. It is not an easy process or a quick one. Rev. Cynthia Hubbard (our strategic planning consultant from the Diocese), wisely suggests that the work of the task force and strategic plan will be more honest if we know going into our September 11th parish meeting to plan for the future of St. Andrew's. This meeting will assist you in discerning the type of pastor needed to guide you to the next stage of St. Andrew's spiritual life. You have a strong leadership team in the wardens and vestry and Rev. Liz has experienced this journey of transition more than once.
We will have lots of opportunities to share thoughts with one another in the months ahead. I will be here through August 8th and then head for some vacation with Dave and when September arrives will be ready to facilitate moving forward in the best way possible.
Please continue to pray for me even as I keep you all in prayer.
Peace and Blessings,
Ama Beth
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