March 12, 2018
Dear St. James-Santee Family and Friends,
A little more than twelve years ago, on March 19, 2006, I became the Vicar of St. James-Santee Parish Episcopal Church. It was the beginning of an absolutely marvelous journey with God and with you - the wonderful people of St. James. You all have blessed me, John and our family, and I will always treasure my time among you.
Now it is time to retire from this chapter of our relationship and to step aside as your Vicar. My last Sunday with you will be May 13th, 2018 – thirty years since my ordination in the Episcopal Church.
My decision to retire at this time is the culmination of more than a year of prayer, reflection, thinking, and several discussions with Bishop Adams. St. James-Santee is thriving. These are good days. The timing is right, and I prefer to conclude my tenure among you when all is well and you are ready for new leadership (and, you are!).
These are the plans in place at present: I will continue to be actively engaged with you through May 15th and have several projects to complete including planning for the 250th anniversary of the consecration of Brick Church, updating the parish register, attending to certain pastoral matters, and gathering information for the new vicar so that the transition time will proceed smoothly. I look forward, as always, to celebrating Holy Week, Easter, and Brick Church Sunday with you. I do not have plans to serve another congregation at this time and am looking forward to an extended period of listening, rest, and reflection on God’s call for my next chapter.
Very shortly, the Vestry will meet with Mrs. Andrea McKellar of the Bishop’s staff. She and the Vestry will develop a plan for moving forward with a search for a new vicar as well as provision for the interim time. My experience says that it is usually healthy for a congregation to experience an interim time so that you will have an opportunity to reflect together about your future mission and ministry directions.
So many emotions. So much to say. For now, let it be the words that have so often been in my head and on my lips when thinking, praying and speaking with you all – Thank God and thank you.
With love,
Jennie+
Dear St. James-Santee Family and Friends,
A little more than twelve years ago, on March 19, 2006, I became the Vicar of St. James-Santee Parish Episcopal Church. It was the beginning of an absolutely marvelous journey with God and with you - the wonderful people of St. James. You all have blessed me, John and our family, and I will always treasure my time among you.
Now it is time to retire from this chapter of our relationship and to step aside as your Vicar. My last Sunday with you will be May 13th, 2018 – thirty years since my ordination in the Episcopal Church.
My decision to retire at this time is the culmination of more than a year of prayer, reflection, thinking, and several discussions with Bishop Adams. St. James-Santee is thriving. These are good days. The timing is right, and I prefer to conclude my tenure among you when all is well and you are ready for new leadership (and, you are!).
These are the plans in place at present: I will continue to be actively engaged with you through May 15th and have several projects to complete including planning for the 250th anniversary of the consecration of Brick Church, updating the parish register, attending to certain pastoral matters, and gathering information for the new vicar so that the transition time will proceed smoothly. I look forward, as always, to celebrating Holy Week, Easter, and Brick Church Sunday with you. I do not have plans to serve another congregation at this time and am looking forward to an extended period of listening, rest, and reflection on God’s call for my next chapter.
Very shortly, the Vestry will meet with Mrs. Andrea McKellar of the Bishop’s staff. She and the Vestry will develop a plan for moving forward with a search for a new vicar as well as provision for the interim time. My experience says that it is usually healthy for a congregation to experience an interim time so that you will have an opportunity to reflect together about your future mission and ministry directions.
So many emotions. So much to say. For now, let it be the words that have so often been in my head and on my lips when thinking, praying and speaking with you all – Thank God and thank you.
With love,
Jennie+
