From Fr. Carter
Dear Friends:
WOW! What a great celebration we had on Sunday for my last day as your rector. It was one of those great bitter-sweet days for me as I looked back over 9 years and 5 months with you in this place. I have said it before and I will say it again and again and again to anyone that will listen. This has undoubtedly been the best time of my ministry as an active priest! You have been generous in your love and support of me personally and of the ministry of our Lord in this place. May you continue this faithful witness for many years to come and may you continually and prayerfully seek to do God’s will here.
I want to thank you for your gift of an iPad 2 as an addition to my collection of electronic “gadgets” as Thad called them on Sunday. I will put it to good use and get much enjoyment from it. The gift included a wireless router (so that I could use it anywhere in the house) and a case with a built-in keyboard. I also want to thank you for the cards and the many emotional expressions of good-bye. It was a very emotional time for all of us.
I will never forget the children of the parish gathered around me as they said good bye and presented me with pictures of their activities and good bye notes. Thank you to the choir for the “ditty” that you sang and for our resident “ditty lady” (Marty) who so cleverly put it together.
Thanks to all of you who had part in the dinner and the festivities. It was a touching tribute to the many happy times that we have experienced together since September 1, 2002.
I will remain in Minden. I will be your friend, but I can no longer be your pastor. God will raise up the one that he wants here. It is your duty to pray diligently that He may reveal it to you. Pray daily for the search committee and the Vestry of St. John’s for the wisdom to choose the person that God will raise up to be your next pastor and rector. You will be in my prayers during this time.
My friends, may the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 310).
Fr. Wayne
From Fr. Bryant
Hello, again, St. John's family,
It has been quite a while since I have written to you. I am excited about being with you as your Interim Priest while you conduct the search for the 10th rector of St. John's. Together, we will pray and work toward a happy future for this great parish and, in the present, continue the sacraments, teaching and ministry here. I will begin on February 1st, with the regularly scheduled Wednesday evening Eucharist in the church. My time with you will be on a 2/3 basis, being here on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please stop by the office and let's catch up (if I know you from before) or let's introduce ourselves if that is the case.
Joyfully,
Bill+
