The Measure of Our Ministry
As we come together in worship today, this is the first time I’m speaking to you from the pulpit since I announced that I am leaving St. Francis In-The-Fields and my associate position here.
And I think we should talk about it.
It’s not so much about me and the fact that I’m leaving—I’m only one of a long line of priests who have served this congregation, and you will have many more capable priests serving you in the future.
No, what matters is that we take time to acknowledge that we’re experiencing a season of change in our common life.
We need to mark and signify the reality of what we have meant to each other as associate and congregation, and seek wisdom from our scriptures to help us make sense of what our common call to ministry has been in these last three years.
What have we done together with the time that God has given us as partners in ministry?
How have we enriched one another’s spiritual growth?
And how do we give thanks for our time together, grieve our parting, and take the influence we’ve had on each other into a new season of ministry with new people?