Dearest Family and Friends of St. Margaret’s,
Greetings in Christ! It is bittersweet, to say the very least, for me, that this coming Sunday is my last Sunday serving at St. Margaret’s. My time serving with you at St. Margaret’s has been one of the great blessings of my life. Since beginning in July of 2017, I have come to know and love you, the many gifted, faithful saints in this blessed faith community!
The scriptures remind us that “for everything there is a season”, and for this next season of my vocation and life, I look forward to entering new areas of discipleship. I will continue to be active in the Diocese serving on the Standing Committee, will do occasional Sunday Supply work, and will represent the diocese as a Deputy at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Baltimore next summer. I will also remain a member of the Benedictine Oblate Chapter. I also look forward to more reading, writing and travel.
I will also greatly enjoy taking more time with family – my son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren here in Bethlehem. My daughter, son-in-law, and grandson in Manhattan – with another baby on the way! And my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter in Seattle – and, ALSO, with another baby on the way! Wonder of wonders! Miracle of miracles!
But leave-taking it difficult. I must tell you that I will grieve no longer working so closely with the amazing Vestry and Staff of St. M’s. – and indeed, ALL the good people of this parish. I feel that M’s is family and will always be so. But leave-taking also brings with it space for new leadership, and, by the grace of God, thankfully, that is Mo. Laura Howell! Grace upon grace! It is a time for a new vision, energy, and leadership to immerge.
I want to leave you with two principles that are foundational for me and define not only my ministry but my life. These two principles remain true plumblines for me. They are The Great Commandment and The Great Commission.
[1] THE GREAT COMMANDMENT Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus said: “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”.
[2] THE GREAT COMMISSION Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
My friends, I give thanks to God for each of you and I know that the years to come will be ones where St. Margaret’s will continue to bring light and peace into this hurting world…..based on the only true foundation of Our blessed Lord Jesus Christ.
For sure, St. Margaret’s is a place where the Great Commandment and the Great Commission are lived out! Praise be to God! Alleluia, Amen!
Keep the faith! But not to yourself! It must be shared!
Continued blessings and joy,
Rev. Jane+
Dear Jane,
I pray for you as you leave as Rector of St. Margaret’s Church to begin your next ministry calling. May God continue to bless and guide you always. Traveling and spending more time with your family is a blessing. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we will definitely keep you in our prayers.
Peace of the Lord be with you!