Dear Sisters and Brothers at St. Paul’s,
When the Rev. Sarah Phelps invited me to consider an interim position at St. Paul’s, I knew it was just that — an interim position for a number of months, waiting on the arrival of the new rector. St. Paul’s has proven to be a parish ready for growth, ready for deepening, ready for new life, and I have been honored by the trust given to me so quickly. I am grateful for the ways we have together tended the spirituality of this place. Loving my ministry here, I began to wonder if I might be able to stay on longer, eager to further my work in formation and to deepen and solidify pastoral relationships.
As I wondered about this over Lent, the College of William and Mary offered my spouse, Jane, a position as the Director of the School of Public Policy with an appointment in the Faculty of Economics. This offer represents a dream come true for Jane. She has been working for years to make her work as an economist, researching educating and health economics, bear more directly on government policy and university administration. I am grateful that my family is at a place where we can say ‘yes’ to this offer, and I can support Jane fully in this next chapter in her vocation.
Practically, what this means is that I will be moving with my family to Virginia sometime this summer. It is sad to think of loosening my connection with you all, but as I leave, I go changed by you for the better. My time at St. Paul’s has deepened (and sharpened!) my faith in the life of God in ordinary people, and the desire for God in everyone, and the power of taking time to talk about what matters most in our lives.
The timeline for my family’s move is unclear, but I intend to stay through the first part of June, as I want to give you and your new rector as much support as I can as your new ministry together begins.
Gratefully,
Robert