Grace and peace be with you.
It is my hope and prayer that this message finds you well, basking in the radiant light of God's abundant and steadfast love. I bring you greetings from Cincinnati, Ohio where my family and I have been for the past few days in prayer and discernment with Christ Church Cathedral taking part in the search process for their next Dean. After a unanimous vote from the Cathedral vestry, it is with joy and thanksgiving to God (and a great deal of humility) that I have accepted their gracious invitation to become the fourth Dean of the Cathedral.
Ever mindful that all priests are "part-time," I believe that after almost eight years of journeying in faith, hope, and love with all of you, it is time explore what God has in store for me and my family. Thus, I will be stepping down as the Rector of Grace Church, effective 8/31/21.
Jonna and I are thrilled at this new possibility that the Holy Spirit has afforded us, and we are looking forward to writing this next chapter of our lives in Christ together.
I must say that there is great symbolism and rightness to this call, as I was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral by my father in 2003, and the Cathedral was also my sponsoring parish during my time in seminary. This is truly a homecoming. Speaking of which, as Grace has been our home for these past seven plus years, I am also saddened that we will be leaving such an amazing community of people, who have truly been our family and our rock during these many years of faithful service and fellowship together.
I spoke with the Wardens some weeks ago so that we could begin putting the pieces in place for what we pray will be a relatively smooth transition. I am also going to be in conversation with Bishop Dietsche to inform him and make sure that Grace has diocesan support as well.
I must say that I believe the time is right for this transition. Thanks to the steadfast commitment of our Wardens, Kickie and Molly, who weathered so much and met the challenges we have faced over these past 15 months with courage and steadfastness of faith, I believe that Grace Church is in a healthy and vibrant place, systemically and financially.
I give God thanks for all of you and for this wonderful journey of joy, learning, laughter, and love. Thank you for your fellowship, support, patience, trust, and for inspiring me daily. Thank you for making me a better priest and disciple. Indeed, is has been an honor and a blessing to serve as your priest and pastor.
I look forward to experiencing what God has in store for us all, and I am glad and comforted that we shall continue to journey together as members of God's Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, this Episcopal Branch of the Jesus movement. Onward!
Your Brother in Christ,
Fr. Owen
