“I planted, Apollos watered, but God
gave the growth.” I Cor. 3:6
My family and I were delighted to receive the call from God
to come and join you at Saint Timothy’s.
I look forward to leading you during this time of transition as you say
farewell to Father Brad, and prepare in time to receive the ministry of a new
permanent rector. It has been a special
gift to be able to work alongside Father Brad for nearly a month. It’s lifted a bit of the burden from both of
us, and he has helped me to understand many different ways that God is doing
wonderful things among you.
I can certainly understand why
you have come to love him so much. He is
a man of great compassion and wisdom, and you bear the stamp of his leadership
in many ways (as I’m sure you do also of your associate rectors and those who
lead you before he arrived). Father
Brad’s insistence on God’s love for all people has shaped your active mission
program and gathered together a deeply diverse and open-hearted
congregation. I know that you will all
want to take time in the next few weeks to speak or write to him, thanking him
for the way he has helped you to grow in faith and discipleship. You will also want to spend time praying for
him and his family as he discerns how to continue using his gifts in
retirement.
