All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit! Acts 2:4
Dear Nativity Family and Friends,
This is my last newsletter to you as your Vicar. What joy it has been to serve you! We began our journey in January 2021 on Zoom and later that year you asked me to serve as Vicar which I have done since June of last year. It has been a delightful journey with you.
I want to share with you a few details of how the change in leadership came about. In April of this year, I contacted Bishop Seage to say that I thought it was time to discuss “next steps” for the Church of the Nativity. The Church moves very slowly. . . until it doesn’t! Bishop Seage and I engaged in conversation and the Holy Spirit took over! Who knew that Bishop Gray (the Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III) would be available! He has been appointed Vicar. The Mission Committee has worked diligently to pave the way for Bishop Gray’s coming. Many, many thanks to James McCormick! I am delighted with the outcome and truly believe it is the work and gift of the Holy Spirit.
I do want to be clear that no one has forced me out nor am I angry about this upcoming change. I initiated the conversation due to some personal matters. Surprised? Yes, the Holy Spirit often surprises me! I am grateful to Bishop Gray; he brings history, wisdom, and amazing gifts to the role of Vicar.
As I take my leave from Nativity, I will be tending to some health concerns of my husband and a few of my own. Our Homestead needs a little extra TLC this time of the year, too. As time unfolds, I will return to Nativity as Bishop Gray, the Mission Committee and I, led by the Holy Spirit, work out details. I look forward to continuing to serve you in a slightly different way.
Bishop Gray will join you on Sunday, June 19. You will be blessed! I know you will welcome him as you welcomed me. Thank you to each of you at the Church of the Nativity. Our Mission Committee–James, Alexe, Joe, and Jenni, and Kathryn, our clerk and treasurer–has made my role of Vicar a little sweeter. All of you have enriched my life in so many meaningful ways. My heart is truly filled with deep gratitude.
This Sunday, June 5, we will celebrate the birthday of the Church. The Day of Pentecost fulfills Jesus’ promise of sending the Holy Spirit. Please wear something red and join in this festive day.
There are no goodbyes here; for we shall see one another in due time. Until then, may we all be filled with the Holy Spirit, and may God watch between us while we are absent from one another.
Faithfully,
Ann +
Comments