All that is left to say is “thank you.” Thank you for being a blessing to me, to the church, to this community, and to the world. Thank you for your prayers, faithful stewardship, kindness, generosity, and yes, even for your criticism (through which I have learned much). Thank you for the many ministries you do in the name of Jesus which draw us closer to God and to each other; they empower us to be agents of healing in a broken world.
I am very thankful for the opportunity to have served with the gifted St. Paul’s staff— Adam, Ronnie, Richard, Diane, Jane, and Louise whose ministries have brought us all closer to the kingdom. I am thankful for the ministry of Teresa and the Vestry. I am thankful for the ministry of the Search Committee.
It is ironic that two weeks after I got here, everything shut down. Now as I leave, everything is opening back up. I won’t let that mess with my head too much. I know that wherever we are, whatever is happening, God is in the midst of us. As the Psalmist says: “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast.”
Thanks be to God, most of the COVID restrictions have been lifted. We no longer require you to wear a mask at worship or other church events. We do ask that you respect the wishes of others, who, for medical reasons, continue to wear masks and keep socially distanced. We also have dispensed with temperature checks and preregistration for worship and parish events.
As I leave you, please know that I will keep you and Fr. Lee and his family in my prayers as you begin to walk together in faith.
God bless you and keep you. God make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. God lift up his countenance upon you and give your peace. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with you, and remain with you always.
Peace,
Ray