A Message from Fr. Brian

Dear Friends in Christ:  With a deep sense of humility and gratitude I write to you today to thank you for the collaboration in ministry we have shared for almost three years. Since arriving at Grace-St. Luke’s on November 1, 2008, we have partnered in ministry and shared in fellowship as the Body of Christ. We have joined in moving worship and education, care and formation. We have, I believe in ways too great to count, grown one another and the world around us for God’s Kingdom. For these things and for so much more I give great thanks to God.

    You will remember, I am sure, of my call to lead and serve alongside you in ministry primarily during the interim and into the early term of a new rector. In my relatively short time with you, we have seen much transition, change and growth. In all of it, I firmly believe that we have been and continue to be a people of transformation. In this fruitful and vibrant season within the life of the parish, the appropriate time has now come for me to take leave of you and my duties here.

    With this letter I share news of my resignation as associate rector in Grace-St. Luke’s parish; and I hope you will celebrate with me in the added news of my acceptance of the call to become rector of the Parish Church of St. Paul, Meridian, Mississippi, beginning September 26. My last Sunday with you will be August 14 which allows me time to vacation in the midst of transition from here and into this new call and ministry. I seek your prayers for the people of St. Paul’s and for me at this exciting time, and I assure you of my continued prayers for you in the years ahead.

    Please know that I am grateful to each and every one of you for your support of my ministry. I thank you, also, for the gifts you continue to share in this place—the offerings of time, talents and resources which you have so graciously and ably brought forward in every instance and occasion. I must also take this moment to especially thank those who have served as senior warden during my tenure —Barney Rolfes, Patrick Burnett and Jim Taylor—and for the clergy colleagues with whom I have shared in sacramental, formational and pastoral ministry—the Revs. Richard Lawson and Gayle McCarty, as well as the Revs. Ron DelBene, Eyleen Farmer and Senter Crook. My profound gratitude is offered to a very capable and talented parish staff. To name the host of other lay leaders, workers and colleagues who have assisted and aided our ministries would require more space than allowed here, but please know that I thank God for your witness, care and calling—you know who you are.

    While the road ahead for us is diverging, know how thankful I am for you and this place and the time we have traveled together. You are a blessing to me; you have formed me for ministry not only here but away from this place. I look forward to what is ahead for both you and for me, and I wish you Godspeed on the journey. May God’s every blessing be upon you this day and always.

Faithfully,

The Rev. J. Brian Ponder
Associate Rector