Dear Disciples of Christ at Holy Spirit, St. Helen’s, and St. Mary’s,

During the 25 Day Challenge of Prayer the image of the manger and the cross came more into focus. The beauty and the tranquility of the Manger Scene was transected by the reality of the cross that looms in the future. The commentators reflected on the juxtaposition of those two objects of wood. The manger held the feed which gave life to the animals while the cross would offer eternal life to the believers. The manger cradled the baby Jesus and the cross embraced the body of our Savior. The two seem at first glance to be directly opposed to the other and yet they are forever linked by Jesus.

Similarly, when the Magi presented their gifts to the Newborn King they gave gold fit for a king. They offered frankincense to proclaim the child’s divine nature (recall the song and “deity nigh”). Finally, they offered myrrh, a perfume used for burial rites. Think of it. Just as we are singing and praising God for the gift of his Son, we are confronted with his death. Even as a kid I often wondered about the reason to interrupt the joy of the moment with an image of death.

Each of these two contradicting symbols speak to the reality of our humanity. We are not monolithic. We are not black and white. Humanity is a palette of color and the blending of colors to create new ones. We often do not make sense. We frequently contradict ourselves. Yet we create wonderful things. We establish beauty and discover it in our midst. We reflect the love of God, yet we have our Cain and Able moments. We strive to do our best and occasionally succeed.

It is in the midst of this human reality that I come before you to announce that my retirement has been accepted by Bishop McClory. It is his desire to deal with the major replacements across the Diocese as one event. So, a number of pastors who have reached 70 are moving on. This weekend the Diocese will open Holy Spirit, St. Helen, and St. Mary for consideration to accept new pastors. It is a several step process that includes suitors, prayerful discernments, recommendations from the personnel board, and a final decision made by the Bishop himself.

Truthfully, for me it is bittersweet. I have desired to retire at age 70. I have cherished this extra year with the people of our three parishes. I dislike saying goodbye yet to move on is also a part of God’s greater plan. I feel a bit like St. Paul who addresses Timothy speaking of running the race (2Timothy) and competing to win. For me the victor is Christ and my time in Winfield, Hebron, and Kouts is in service of Him. Like St. Luke reminds us that we are unworthy slaves in the service of the Master, Jesus Christ. I am glad to have served each of you. My joy is being able to give of myself for you. May my departure on July 1 be not a goodbye but a refrain of “until we meet again.” Meanwhile, I will continue to serve you to the best of my abilities until it is time to welcome another.

Fr. Tom