On June 15, I will celebrate thirty years of ordained ministry. Those years have been filled with immense joy and happiness, and, at times, a healthy dose of doubt, fear, and uncertainty, yet I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything other than being a priest. I joked with the Vestry, at our last meeting, that my dream job was to be a stand up comedian, but I need not explain why that never happened. I consider it a sacred privilege to be a priest. It is a humbling and astounding thing to walk with people in faith as they experience major turning points in their lives— birth, baptism, confirmation, marriage, divorce, health issues and the daily challenges of life in which we search for meaning and purpose. God is at work in our lives in so many ways, known and unknown. Through it all, I have been fed by those who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of God— buoyed by word and sacrament, and sustained by the guidance of the Holy Spirit found in friends and strangers along the way.
Here at St. Paul’s, I have been blessed to be part of a thriving faith community during an extraordinary time. Our interim relationship is not what you expected, nor what I anticipated. Nonetheless, we have discovered the power of God at work here in worship, formation, outreach, stewardship, administration, in the implementation of the Strategic Plan, and in negotiating COVID restrictions. We have welcomed new members and bid farewell to some. We have even managed to find time for Covid restricted food, fellowship, and conversation that reveals who we are and what we hope to become. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have accompanied you on this part of the journey. A new adventure in faith begins with the arrival of your new rector in the not too distant future. I will continue to keep both you and your new rector in my prayers as you live into God’s dream for you.
As for me, I am going to retire from full-time ministry, but have accepted a call to be the part-time rector of a parish in our neighboring diocese, the Diocese of North Carolina. I am looking forward to that opportunity to continue to serve the people of God.
Before you wish Adam and I Godspeed, there are more opportunities for us to be together for worship and fellowship. Please join us.
On Thursday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. the DOK is hosting a Taize service of prayer and music. Please make a reservation on Eventbrite in order to attend.
On Friday, May 14 from 5-7 p.m. join us for a Celebration to Honor the Ministry of the Pierce Family: Adam and Laurie, Aleea, Hazel and Lucas at Waterman’s Brewery, 1610 Pavilion Place.
On Sunday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. the choir will sing Evensong. Please make a reservation on Eventbrite.
On Pentecost Sunday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m., please join us at Long Leaf Park for a celebration of the Eucharist followed by a catered Parish Picnic. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING A LAWN CHAIR. There is NO 8:00 a.m. service on that day.
Peace,
Ray
