June ’23 Rector’s Message
As you likely know by now, I have announced that I begin a new call this very month. In June I will be sharing my time between CCRP and the Diocese of Pennsylvania where I am becoming the Canon for Transition Ministry. This month I will spend most mornings, Monday-Thursday on site at CCRP, and with the Diocese in the afternoons and evenings (but this is not exact).
Until early August I can continue as your priest, Sunday worship, pastoral emergencies and so on. I have plenty of time available for you for tea or walks or prayers. You are well cared for by me, by your leadership, by Deacon Dennis, and the Diocese: and by our Good Shepherd Jesus.
There are plenty of dreams left unfulfilled and things left undone and unsaid. But CCRP hasn’t begun your next big thing yet: maybe improving accessibility on our property, or being a space for mental health, or offering a meal that helps neighbors connect. These missions can continue to be explored in this in-between phase, and they are hearty tasks for a new partner to join your team in. My strong advice as someone now wearing ‘two hats’ is to keep going and doing and being CCRP. Fear not: you have more than enough good people, a sure foundation, and a whole heart. Trust that the Spirit of God is always present, and will guide you through what may feel a bit like a storm. A time of change like this can also feel a bit like being hangry: emotions are more at the surface. Be patient with each other and yourself. Pray daily one of the prayers we share in this newsletter. Imagine with deep hope your new partner in the mission of God in this neighborhood. Do not remain still and wait – keep trying and loving and serving and praying together. Lend a hand, sign up ahead of time to read and usher and so on. All will be well, because you are good news.
For everyone who came out to everything, who followed my lead even when they weren’t too sure what I was talking about: I thank you. For anyone who was strongly challenged by my ministry here, I hope someday you will see it is all in Jesus’ name. For those who feel like you’ve just barely gotten to know me, know that I feel the same. I would not be accepting this daunting new call if I didn’t believe that Christ Church will be a brilliant match for a great priest: and that you can be witnesses of hope for each other.
– The Reverend Jane Gober
Ever-present God, you call us on a journey to a place we do not know. We are not where we started. We have not reached our destination. We are not sure where we are or who we are. This is not a comfortable place. Be among us, we pray. Calm our fears, save us from discouragement, and help us to stay on course. Open our hearts to your guidance so that our journey to this unknown place continues as a journey of trust. In the name of our shepherd, Jesus. Amen.
A Prayer for Transition by the Reverend Canon Kristi Philip
Gentle us, Holy One,
into an unclenched moment,
a deep breath,
a letting go of heavy experiences,
of shriveling anxieties,
of dead certainties, that,
softened by the silence,
surrounded by the light,
and open to the mystery,
we may be found by wholeness,
upheld by the unfathomable,
entranced by the simple,
and filled with the joy that is you.
In the name of the Holy Trinity,
One God forever and ever – Amen.
-adapted from Ted Loder