Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

As we look to communicate some of the details around Dean Greenwell's upcoming retirement, we are struck by how the extraordinariness of this time prevents us from the ordinary act of saying goodbye to our dean in person. This much-loved leader of our cathedral is moving on to a new chapter in her life, and we want to see her in person, shake her hand, and give her a hug. We want to show our gratitude for the last seven years of her leadership - with our smiles, our personal words of thanks, and our wishes for a blessed new life for her and Jim.

And at this time of sadness for what feels like loss, we are also called to remind you of the good work Dean Greenwell has done in preparing us to step into a fresh place in the life of Christ Church Cathedral:

• Our new strategic plan, the Next Century Vision will soon be unveiled - the successor to our Third Century Vision that brought us the Cincinnati Scholar House, our beautifully renovated Centennial Chapel, and the new nave organ. The entire congregation participated in creating the Next Century Vision through the listening sessions sponsored by the Vestry.
   
• The restlessness and hunger for a new way of worship, energy which Dean Greenwell felt, heard, and fostered, has produced the Noon Service - a third Sunday service which draws many new people to our cathedral.
   
• Because of your enthusiasm and engagement in cathedral activities, our reputation as a faith leader in this city has never been held in higher regard than at this moment in our 203-year history.

So let us give thanks for all the blessings of Dean Gail's caring and sturdy leadership - we have been well-served!

The dean's last Sunday with the community will take place online on May 17. Since on that day we will still be under the physical distancing restrictions imposed by COVID-19, we will look to the fall to welcome Gail and Jim back to Cincinnati. In late September, both Gail and Jim will be back to visit with us at the cathedral, at which time we will convene a proper celebration of their retirement.

Until we see each other in person, let us all hold each other in faith, spirit,  and mutual support - because the work continues!

Respectfully submitted,

The Vestry of Christ Church Cathedral