Father David’s post of December 10, 2021 — Two weeks from this Sunday, on December 26, I will preside at my last worship service at SsAM, a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols/Eucharist.
Where have the twelve years gone? Twelve years ago, I was in my early fifties. As I prepare to depart, I am approaching my mid-sixties. I had more hair back in 2010 then I do today but I have so much more love and gratitude for all of you.
The last two pandemic years have been difficult for all of us. Along the way I have learned a great deal. Early in the pandemic I often quipped that there was not a course offered in seminary forty years ago that prepared any ordained person for being a minister during a worldwide pandemic.
A period of transition begins.
Here we are almost two years later, and the parish is beginning to show signs of new life. As you enter this period of transition, my hope is that you will be patient with each other and continue to love and support each other as you have done for twenty-five years. I hope that you will get more involved during this clergy transition and offer your support and gifts to the staff and the vestry as they work collaboratively for and with you.
At the end of the clergy transition, you will welcome a new priest to lead you through a time of discernment. Welcome this person as you welcomed Canon Casson and me.
No doubt there will be bumps along the way. You may get on each other’s nerves. You may even be tempted to quit the whole thing but please don’t. Stick with the process and keep each other in your daily prayers.
Pray For Everyone in the Parish
In particular, I suggest you pray each day for ten people or so listed in the parish directory. If you don’t have a parish directory, click here to ask for one. This method of prayer is call a “Daily Rota” in which we pray for each name on a list. After you have prayed for every name listed in the directory, start again! This is a wonderful way to get to know the names of your fellow Christians.
As I reflect on my twelve years as the Rector of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, my heart is full. Have I been perfect? No. Have I made mistakes and upset people along the way? Yes. In the end I leave with great affection for all of you. You will remain special to both Emily and me.
Love,
Fr. David+, OA
NOTE:
Only One Worship Service on Sunday, December 19 and 26, at 10:30 a.m.
These are Father David’s last two services as rector of SsAM.
