Dear Saints,
Many of you have probably been experiencing similar competing emotions as I have this week. Lows when thinking of Penny’s leaving. Highs when thinking of Ben’s new ministry at All Saints. And anticipation about where we will now all go together in Christ.
This Sunday is our “break” Sunday between Penny and Ben’s leadership. We have been blessed that Ben was already nearby and we did not have to wait for a family move. Normally a 30 day period between Rectors is planned, however our break period is just over a week. This “break” is a planned time period intended to allow the congregation to briefly grieve and to then look to the future. After waiting and working for over two long years towards calling a new rector, we have called and been answered, and we have a very short transition period. We all need to process this transition in our hearts and move forward in the name of Christ!
We need to think about where the Lord wants us to go and share those thoughts with Ben. What is our mission? What opportunities to spread the love of Christ are calling to us? How can we strengthen our existing ministries? Ben, when answering the question as to where he would plan to take All Saints, responded that direction needed to be determined by All Saints with his guidance.
This coming Sunday The Rev. Bob Hamilton will celebrate the Eucharist and Archdeacon David Curtis will preach, please join us as you are able.
The following Sunday, February 19th, will be Ben’s first Sunday at All Saints. I encourage all of you to join with me to celebrate and welcome Ben to All Saints, in person if you are able, at both services and the reception for him after the 10:30 service. That Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday, let us all pray for Christ’s light and love to become resident in us all on this wonderful day in All Saints long history.
Faithfully,
Mark Wilcox
Senior Warden
