An Important Letter from Rev’d Jane: Transitions and Celebrations

Dear Christ Church friends,
I write to you today to inform you that I have accepted the invitation of Bishop Gutiérrez to join the diocesan staff as the Canon for Transition Ministry. I know this news is a tremendous surprise to you, and when it began to bloom, it was a surprise to me as well. In my new ministry, I will be overseeing the clergy and congregational call process, the ordination process, and other duties. I feel deeply that the Holy Spirit is moving in this unfolding: both that I am called into a new realm of mission, and that Christ Church’s future as a wholehearted witness to God’s love is steadfast.
As we are entering the slower pace of summer, we can make this shift in a blended way. Starting in June I will begin being half with Christ Church, and half learning my new role with the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Then at the end of June, this will become a quarter time with you: being your Sunday and pastoral needs priest until early August (or when a new priest is placed here). At the same time, Christ Church will move into transitioning to ministry with a new priest, however, you will not have to go through a lengthy search and discernment process again. The hard work of the recent process that brought me to you still stands, the finances are good, the properties are good, and the changes since 2019 are well-known. More information about this transition will come to the parish in the weeks ahead. Do not fret, you are and will be well cared for.
The hardest part of accepting this new call has been knowing that my relationship with you will change and that some of the dreams I had will be let go of. The past three and a half years have been both a whirlwind and stretched out into what feels longer than it has been. I can only begin to tell you how often I am glad to tell others about this congregation. Christ Church is cooperative, friendly, and patient: the love of Jesus shines forth all the time. We rolled with every turn of the pandemic like dutiful, neighbor-loving champions. We evolved into a congregation that is on-site, in the neighborhood, and online. We have cleaned out multiple spaces to make them more flexible for the needs of this parish in the future and the community too. We have tried new things and we have let go of old tasks that no longer match our passions and the world’s needs. We have grown in each other’s company, we have shown ourselves to be tough and bright and full of goodness, just like the pumpkins we are known for.
Our Deacon Dennis Bingham will continue with you, Mackenzie Alexander continues in her ministry with Christ Church; so too our choirmaster Dr. Josh Miller, and our administrator Nicholas Damato. Your wardens and vestry are smart and capable. Sometime in June we will celebrate all that we have done together, and the future that lies ahead, still working together, but differently. I will be available until my last Sunday with you for walks, meals, coffees, and whatever helps you make this change well. I ask that you hold the congregation, the leadership, the diocese, and myself in prayer as we journey to all that comes next. There is not a day that goes by where I do not give praise for bringing us together. Always know how much you are loved by God, and by me.
In Peace,
The Reverend Jane Gober