Thank you from the Rector

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you to everyone who came to the retirement party and to those who organized and helped with the reception.  The hall was beautifully decorated, the table was laden with delicious food, and the words spoken, cards and gifts given, and hugs received were all greatly appreciated.  Once again St. Luke's congregation extended their gracious hospitality, for which they have been known around Carleton County! 

Thank you for your love and support over the past number of years.  Can you believe it has been ten years?  I began parish ministry on April 1, 2022, Palm Sunday.

I remember, and will never forget, the kindness and the hearty welcome from the people of this parish toward me and my Mom, Olive, who came to help me settle in.  Parishioners helped with the unpacking; some brought food, gifts of soup, bread, salad, and pie.  Others invited us for a meal in their home.  We stayed the first week in the home of Peter & Ruth Hall while I waited for the movers to deliver my things.  Folks were thoughtful, and we felt loved and accepted.

And in 2015 you equally embraced Armin as my husband and as a member of this parish.  We are both grateful for your love and support.  That feeling will remain. Your generosity and hospitality have been extended to one another and to the wider community, particularly during the past two years of the pandemic.  There have been challenges and we have worked through them together.

You may recall the meal delivery to shut-ins, cookies at Christmas time, cards and flowers to the bereaved, ringing the bell at noon each Sunday during the lockdown.  The Steeple campaign will ensure that bell can be rung for years to come.

What draws us to be part of this church family?  Saint Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.  Do it with gentleness and reverence.”  If someone were to ask you, “why to you go to Church, why do you follow Jesus, what gives you hope?” , , ,  what would you gently and reverently tell them about how God has blessed your life?

Good things have happened in this parish.  And you will do greater things.  Jesus said, (John 14:12)  “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to Father.”  Jesus has sent us his Holy Spirit to be with us, strengthening us, and guiding us to be his faithful followers.

Archbishop David Edwards will be in touch with the Parish Advisory Committee about the process of choosing the 18th rector of this parish.

As part of Diocesan protocol, as the outgoing rector, I have been asked to stay away from the parish for one year.  This will enable a time for the congregation to grieve the loss of a rector and to get ready to welcome a new rector and build a relationship with that pastor.  So Armin and I will not be attending worship or events at St. Luke's or Christ Church for at least a year. 

When the new rector comes, I encourage you to extend the same love, kindness, and support that you offered to me and Armin.

God bless you and guide you as you continue to faithfully serve Him!

With hearts filled with love and gratitude,

Rev. Shirley & Armin. 

Note:  Photos by Dorothy Love and Barbara Richard.