Upcoming Transition

After more than 13 years of writing to you each week, this is my penultimate offering. Today, I will be practical about the upcoming transition, saving my final reflections for next week.

The pastoral relationship we have shared since August 2011 will end effectively with the conclusion of worship on Sunday, March 2. Instead of splitting into three worshipping congregations that morning, we will come together for one celebration at 10 a.m. As I did on my first Sunday so many years ago, I will preside and preach. Before we exchange the Peace, we will participate in a brief ritual marking the end of our pastoral relationship. I will say a few words acknowledging that it is time for my ministry at St. Paul’s to conclude, and you will respond by accepting my decision. Then we will pray together and share communion one last time. Following the dismissal and some final mingling at coffee hour, our pastoral relationship will conclude.

Practically speaking, this means I will no longer be your priest and pastor. Although Stephanie and I will continue to live in Indianapolis for the foreseeable future, another parish in Central Indiana will become our church home (we have not yet decided which one). In order to ensure a healthy transition, I will not be involved in or comment on the search for and selection of the next rector. I will not be available to visit you in the hospital or to officiate at baptisms, weddings and funerals. If you reach out to me about a pastoral concern or an issue at St. Paul’s, my reply will be, “I am no longer the rector of the parish. Please contact the church office.”

This isn’t because I don’t care about you. I will always hold you in my heart. But it is of utmost importance that I establish clear boundaries which allow my successor to create healthy and loving pastoral relationships with you. As I said during my address at the annual meeting, just as I need to let go of you, so you need to let go of me.

This does not mean that I do not want to hear from you, though the best way will be to connect through social media. You’ll find me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. When we see each other around town, I’ll joyfully listen to updates about you and your loved ones. And I’ll definitely want to show you the latest photos of our grandson (due in early May)!

Each moment of the next week and a half will be precious as we begin to say goodbye. You are a blessing.