Please take a moment to read the

following letters from Rev D

and the Wardens, Leslyn Clark and Jacqui Lucier.

January 7, 2024

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-7

Dear People of Trinity Church,

It is with a mixture of excitement and regret that I write to share that my season with you as your Rector is coming to an end. I have accepted the call to serve as Canon for Mission Advocacy, Racial Justice, and Reconciliation for the Episcopal Church of Connecticut and I have submitted my resignation to the Wardens and Vestry indicating that my last Sunday will be February 4, 2024.

I began my ministry with you at a point at which it was becoming increasingly clear that the COVID-19 Pandemic was going to be a major factor in our lives for much longer than anyone had originally anticipated. Indeed I was here for almost eight months before I met many of you in person! Despite the challenges of the pandemic itself and the other challenges that the pandemic brought into stark view, we have faithfully sought to continue to follow God’s call to be a people of welcome, hope, and healing. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that I’ve had to get to know you and to walk with you on this portion of our journeys of faith.   

While I regret that I will not be with you to see the seeds that we have planted come to bloom, I am excited about the future of Trinity. In this upcoming time of transition, Leslyn Clark and Jacqui Lucier, who are serving as Wardens, will lead the navigation of the road ahead. They and the Vestry will need your support through active participation, engagement, and constructive input. The ministry of Trinity is not on hold until the next Rector comes. You, the people of Trinity, are the hands and feet of God’s mission in this place. The upcoming season of transition is not a season of, “Well, we have to wait for the new priest.” Instead, this season is an invitation to listen to the Holy Spirit as you discern the future direction of Trinity’s ministry and then courageously follow. Yes, there will be uncertainty and discomfort in the coming weeks and months. When those times of doubt, uncertainty, and discomfort come I pray you hold on to the anchor that is God’s love and grace.

While I would like to say good-bye to each of you personally, that will be challenging in the short weeks remaining. Please schedule time if you would like to talk. Know that I am a better person, Christian, and priest for our years together. Soon, I must respect our separation and cease contact so that you may fully enter into the next stages of your journey. In the coming days you will also be receiving a letter from the Wardens expressing their thoughts and hopes regarding the upcoming changes. Know that I will hold you in my heart with love and with hope for all God has in store for you.

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1: 3-6

In Peace,

The Rev. D. Littlepage

January 7, 2024

1 Corinthians 7-8    “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

Dear Trinity family,

As we embark on a journey of newness, we are filled with hope and promise for the new year ahead. We also prepare for Rev. D’s departure and the celebration of a new ministry, as well as understanding the new Transitional Leadership process. We know that you join us in wishing Rev. D and Kristen well in this next chapter of their life and we look forward to celebrating Rev. D’s ministry with us as we come closer to the time to bid farewell. Rev. D’s last Sunday worshipping with us will be Sunday, February 4^th. Change is always difficult, and we will be sad to see D and Kristen leave our midst when that time comes. However, if we have learned anything from the pandemic, it is that we are tremendous pivoters and a resilient sort!

Called to serve Trinity during a pandemic, following the dynamic leadership of a 16-year tenured priest – Rev. D embraced all that Trinity was and now, is. We thank Rev. D. for opening our hearts and minds again and again to the Word, and for feeding us abundantly with the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  Rev. D’s leadership, together with the dedication of our retired clergy, staff and lay leaders and the graciousness of our congregation, in three years Trinity has fared well compared to many of our neighboring churches. We are poised to continue the labor in God’s field and attract the best in our next clergy leader.

Work has already begun with the Diocesan staff who lead transitions, and you will learn more about this process in the coming months. If you have an opportunity to read Transition in the New Normal, we encourage you to do so. The calling for a rector looks very different in this time of a new normal. We will learn together how we move forward and find the best clergy person suited for who we are today. As we navigate this transition, let us continue to support one another and lift each other in prayer. We have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord. Trusting in His holy word, He’s never failed us yet.

With God’s grace, love, and peace,

Leslyn Clark and Jacqui Lucier, Wardens