Dear All Saints',
Last July I experienced one of those growth opportunities
that we all know and love. Anna Russell
was on maternity leave and Glenda was on vacation. I wondered how I could steer this ship
without them. The month was full of
challenges and opportunities for ministry that I otherwise would not have had. I preached more than I was used to
preaching. I visited the hospital almost
every day. I had the privilege of
walking with a family through a death and a funeral. I became a pro at saying, “I don’t know. Why don’t you ask the rector when she gets
back from vacation?” After awhile, I
started to feel energized by this experience.
For
the first time in my ministry, I truly felt God calling me to be a rector. I wasn’t sure where, but I knew that seeking
a position as rector was in the cards. Jamie and I spent a few months
talking about what this might look like.
How far is too far to move? What
about Jamie’s career plans? What about
Mary Katherine? What kind of church is
worth moving for? We spent some time in
prayer and discussion.
At
about the same time, numerous rectors around the diocese announced their retirement
or plans to move. Soon, a record number
of churches were searching for a rector.
Jamie and I reminded ourselves that we have a fantastic parish at All
Saints’. We knew that we did not have to
take the first position that came along.
We told ourselves that we would only move if we were absolutely sure
that God was calling us elsewhere.
Shortly
thereafter, Glenda and I started talking about possibilities. From time to time, we would have
conversations about what was available and what was worth looking into. She taught me how to ask the right questions
and taught me how to ask the hard questions.
Through these discussions, I started to get a picture of what would be a
good fit.
Sparing
you all the details, St. Paul’s Selma seemed like a perfect fit from the very
beginning. After a search process that began
in March, Jamie and I accepted the call to St. Paul’s Selma on July 1st. This call came exactly five years after I
started my work here at All Saints’ on July 1, 2009. For me, this was further confirmation that
God wants us in Selma.
Leaving
All Saints’ will be very difficult for us.
I have grown more in the last five years than I have in my entire life. I have been a newlywed, first time homeowner,
baby priest, beginner professional, driver of a Buick, and become a father. During this time, you invited me into your
homes. You invited me and my family into
your lives. You have made this part of
my life fuller and richer in too many ways to count. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
When
I accepted the call to be the curate at All Saints’, I felt lucky because I got
to live in Birmingham. Five years later,
I realize I am lucky because I got to serve with all of you. I will continue to brag on you even after I
leave here. You have made my job easy in
so many ways. When I say easy, I mean
fun! I got to worship with you every
Sunday. I got to baptize and marry you. I got to play softball and golf with you. I got to tell our community that God’s loves
them with you. I got to teach you about
things that I love teaching about. I
also got to be with you during the worst of times. I got to do all of these things with you and
call it work!
Another
reason leaving will be difficult is because I leave behind ministry that I
really enjoyed being a part of. In the beginning, ministry
was about new programs and new ideas. I
came on board when All Saints’ was trying to establish a third priest on
staff. This meant that I got to start
new programs and new ministries.
Over
the course of my tenure here I started focusing on relationships. Yes, new programs and ideas were important.
However, I started to realize that ministry in God’s church was built on
relationships. When I started to focus
on relationships, I didn’t get so down on myself when a ministry or an idea failed. Something more important happened—relationships
were built and the kingdom of God on earth was made more visible.
When
I leave All Saints’ next month, I fully expect that the ministries that were formed
and continued during my time will continue like always. I suspect that some will fade away. I also suspect that some will be stronger
once I get out of the way! Ground will
also be paved for new ministry. This is
how the church works. There is death and
resurrection. I have faith that God will
continue what God wants to continue when my work here is finished.
I
will join you in prayer as All Saints’ looks for a new Associate rector. Whether you think I did a good job or a bad
job, nobody will be able to fill my shoes.
The only shoes the next guy can fill are his own. With that being said, thank you for allowing
me to wear my own shoes!!
I ask you also for your
prayers as we begin our new ministry at St. Paul’s. If you are around Selma, I hope you will come
and visit. Jamie, Mary Katherine, and I
would love to see you. While Mary
Katherine may not remember her time at All Saints’, I will be sure to remind
her of all the people here who loved her and received her as one of their
own. Jamie and I will never forget your
generosity during that time. May the
peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the
knowledge and love of God and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Faithfully always,
Jack+
