Retirement Announcement

For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. 

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation,

and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it.

1 Corinthians 3:9-10 

Dear People of St. Paul’s:

When I accepted the call to become the 20th Rector of St. Paul’s in May 2011, I remember reflecting on these words Paul wrote so long ago to the church in Corinth. I was daunted by the task ahead. St. Paul’s foundation had been shaken by the abrupt departures of three previous rectors. The staff had been reduced significantly following the 2008 recession. The interim period had been long and there remained a feeling of uncertainty about the future.

But a shaken foundation is not a broken foundation. I was excited by the possibilities I saw in a strong, core group of parishioners who shared a deep desire to rebuild St. Paul’s into a vital, faithful, joyful community. As I look back over 13 years, I am humbled by the way God has worked through you to restore the foundation and to transform St. Paul’s into a community committed to sharing Christ’s love, creating community and striving for justice.

Following a period of prayerful discernment over the past several months, it has become clear to me that my work here is complete. It’s time for someone else to take the lead and to build on the foundation we have established. Now in my 33rd year of full-time parish ministry, I feel called to move into the next stage of my journey with Christ.

Therefore, I have informed the wardens and vestry of my intention to retire in 2025. My last Sunday at St. Paul’s will be March 2, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany.

You will, of course, have many questions about what happens next. The wardens are already in conversation with Bishop Jennifer and her staff to ensure the transition ahead will be managed faithfully and wisely. You will be in good and trustworthy hands.

Through this transition, I pray you will always remember who you are. “You are God’s field, God’s building.” This has been true through the tenures of all of my predecessors and will remain true under the leadership of my successor. As I trust God is calling me into a new stage of life, I trust God is already calling someone to be your next rector.

Fortunately, it is not yet time to say good-bye. We have Advent, Christmas and three months of Sundays to celebrate together. While Stephanie and I look forward to a new stage of life, which will include the birth of our first grandchild in May, we intend to enjoy this time with you as much as possible. You are, and always will be, an abundant blessing in our lives.

 With gratitude,

 The Rev. John E. Denson, Jr., D.Min., Rector

Please click here to read announcement from the Wardens of St. Paul’s .