Dear Friends,

Yesterday I was not sure what I wanted to write about in this weekly message. And then, still pondering today, I suddenly saw tomorrow’s date, and realized what time it was.Two years ago on October 26th , we gathered in the evening in our beautiful church to officially celebrate our new relationship as rector and parish, at the service of Institution. I remember so well everything about that evening, and all the prayers and words of support included in it.

I also remember still feeling very new in your midst. Along with my excitement about the time ahead, there were also many questions, and yes, some anxieties in my head and in my heart. How would we move into the future together? Would God provide the resources we needed to be an ever-growing sign of Christ’s presence in our community? Would our hopes for each other find fulfillment?

I now look back with gratitude and amazement. Has it really been two years? We have been blessed in our life together. We have grown in ways expected and unexpected, and I am grateful to be in your midst. As I reflect on the last two years, and anticipate the next, I am reminded that all of our time is God’s time. In every moment of every day, we can be looking for God’s presence and the awakening and empowering work of the Spirit to guide us on our way.  Thank you for the honor of being in ministry together with you.

Faithfully,

Tom