Jesus First!

            A few weeks ago, my churchwardens had the unenviable task of reading to the congregation a letter from the bishop, announcing my resignation as rector.  This was not an easy task: it is only the second time in over 40 years that such an announcement has been made. The wardens and I were all a little nervous, and prayerful.

            The wardens engaged in much prayer and discernment about the best time to share this news. With 2 services, this needed to be kept confidential until the announcement was made at both services. One warden stated that everyone would "need the opportunity to come and worship as they have come to do and not be distracted by the news."

            Thus, with deliberate and diligent care, the announcement was made at the end of the worship service (traditionally this parish holds announcements before our processional). The intention and focus was clear: Jesus first!

            This way, we worshiped. We prayed, we praised, we sang, we broke bread. We had children's time, and sermon time, and prayer time, and communion as the intergenerational body of Christ alive and called to mission in this community.

            By placing the announcement at the end, the church saw its leadership demonstrate a Jesus First! model. It is a model that is meant to be applied to our whole lives, when we know ourselves to be disciples of Christ within our own contexts. It affirms all that we do as ministry, as an extension of our place in God's holy church, as people who live out our baptismal vows - with God's help - every day of our lives.

            It is a model of ministry that I have long tried to live; and God willing will continue to espouse throughout my days. It is a model that my churchwardens maintained and drew strength from during the time of announcement, and which will aid the leadership during the time of transition.

            It is my hope and prayer that the community I am preparing to leave, and the community preparing to welcome me, will join me on this journey where the priority is clear. Jesus First! May we live in peace, as we love and serve the Lord!