Dear Members of the Body of Christ at St. Peter’s,

For anyone who wasn’t here on Sunday morning to hear the announcement, I wanted to share some bittersweet news. I have accepted a call to serve as the next Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Jefferson City, beginning on June 24, 2018.

I can’t begin to convey my gratitude for the welcome and love that all of you at St. Peter’s have given to me, Loren, Elias, and Ezra over the last two years. I could not have asked for a better place to begin ordained ministry, and I would not feel in any way prepared for this increased responsibility without the support and encouragement that you have given me. It has truly been a privilege to work with you all, and to see the good things that God is doing through this community.

My last Sunday at St. Peter’s will be June 10, when I look forward to celebrating our second annual Food Truck Picnic. I will be present until then, performing my regular duties and making sure that everything I’ve done over the past two years is well documented. If there is anything that I can do to help ease this time of transition, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

It is exciting to see what God has in store, both for my family as we embark on this next step in our journey, and for the people of St. Peter’s as you continue the exciting work of envisioning the future that was begun in the long term plan.

I will never forget my time at St. Peter’s, or how special it has been to be a part of this community. I can never thank you enough for your loving support and encouragement. My prayer for you now and in the bright future that lies ahead is this, the oldest blessing known to the people of God:

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
-Numbers 6:24-26

Grace and peace,
Ian