Happy Epiphany Day!

I have been working on this update for a week as I have some significant news to share. A new ministry calling has been unfolding for me to become the full-time executive director of Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center and thus I will be resigning as Vicar of Church of the Incarnation.  There are still details to work out but I wanted to share this news with you.

This began last month, on Sunday December 1st in the midst of the 10:15am service at Incarnation, while Pastor Robin was preaching, I had an encounter with what I have come to know as the voice and presence of the Lord.  It was a simple image of a road with a nearing "fork" with two paths.   I sensed the Lord say two things: You cannot continue to do both Incarnation and Canterbury AND It is not fair to either ministry to not have a full time person at the helm.  This was quite a shock, I was at one point close to tears.  As I processed it, my prayer was, Lord have your way with Canterbury, Incarnation and me.

I discussed this with Beth, my wife; Canon Bennett; Bishop Brewer; and a few other confidants / mentors in my life  over the next couple of weeks and everyone has affirmed this new calling.  It became clear God was at work clearing a new ministry path for me, Canterbury and Incarnation.  We decided to wait until after Christmas to share this with the congregation and I did so at services this past weekend. You can hear the announcement I made at the 10:15am service yesterday and you can hear Canon Bennett's remarks about the transition process - click here.

There are a variety of emotions swirling in me and this is not easy.  It is not what I expected or on some levels even wanted. I love Incarnation deeply and to leave this caring congregation as Vicar breaks my heart.  I have great  grief and sadness over leaving a people that followed me into this new mission.  I am confident that Almighty God will take care of Incarnation and bring the right person to take the church to the next stage of mission and ministry.  Whoever that person is they will be blessed with an amazing church family.  

Though I am very sad about leaving Incarnation, I am expectant about what lies ahead for Canterbury and am eager to see the ministry grow and prosper.  

Tommy Hagood our Senior Warden is working with, Bishop Brewer, Canon Bennett and the rest of the vestry in moving Incarnation through this transition. Canon Bennett will meet with the Incarnation vestry this Wednesday evening. You can contact Tommy for initial questions. ( thagood@huntonbrady.com ) I imagine soon there will information on the website and regular communication with the congregation regarding the transition process.   I ask your prayers, for wisdom, grace, provision and peace for all involved...  
                                                     in the mission