Dear friends at Epiphany,
The season of Advent is one of waiting, preparation, and expectation. Advent means arrival, and so we are waiting for Christ to arrive, to be born not just in a stable but also in our hearts. As we wait, we prepare our hearts, making room for the Christ Child, clearing away those things that would distract us from his arrival. And as we wait and prepare, we feel a sense of joyful expectation, looking forward eagerly to his arrival.
The interim time is surely an Advent of sorts. It is a time of waiting, of course; you are waiting for the arrival of a new rector. It is as well a time of preparation, of getting ready for a new season of ministry. And all the waiting and preparation is accompanied by a spirit of joyful expectation, anticipating what life will be like with a new rector.
The season of Advent in the church year is four weeks; the interim season at Epiphany has been much longer, but it will soon give way to the long-awaited arrival of your new rector, Nick Myers. As eager as you are for him to arrive, he is just as eager to begin his ministry with you! While you continue to wait, one of the best things you can do to prepare for Nick’s arrival is to pray for him and his family. They are making both a journey across the country and a journey of the heart to be with you. Pave their journey with prayer, and let your prayers surround them as they arrive and settle in and begin this new season of ministry.
As you know, Nick’s first Sunday at Epiphany will be January 17th. My last day at Epiphany will be Sunday, January 3rd. Between those two Sundays, there will be a priest on call for pastoral emergencies (contact information to come).
Yours in Christ,
Sarah
