Dear Sisters and Brothers,
It is hard to believe that this will be my last headnote to you, and for many, my last communication. I must begin by saying these last sixteen months have been a blessing to me. You have welcomed me, been tolerant as I did things differently from my predecessors, and the many gifts and cards thanking me and wishing me well as I move on were humbling. Thank you
so much. I mentioned Sunday that there were only three things I would not miss about leaving you. Firstly, it was the driving. That’s nothing new. Thirteen years ago, the bishop asked each staff member what one thing they did not like about their jobs. My reply, the driving. The second thing I said I would not miss was having to use the microphone, remembering to turn it on and off. The third I said I could not remember at the moment, but during the Consecration Sunday meal it came to me, remembering where I left my prayer book. I often have Dinners, Drive-ins and Dives playing in the background when I am home. Guy Fieri, the host has said that the particular food he had at a location was in the “top five” at least a hundred times. While I have served over two thirds of our congregations in the diocese, either as minister in charge or supervising in some way, I can truly say that my time here at Calvary is in the top Two. Now comes the hard part. It is the policy of the Diocese of Lexington that upon the leaving of a congregation, there are a number of actions which must be followed. A few of these include: The minister should in every event expect to maintain the highest degree of separation possible from the prior venue of ministry, for at least two years. This period may be extended at the Bishop’s discretion. The minister should not attend worship or parish activities during this time. Contact with former parishioners is to be curtailed, and in no event may conversation with them concern matters of the parish.
After this period the minister may return to the parish for ministry of word or sacrament only at the initiative and invitation of the rector. In the absence of a rector, with permission from bishop. While these may seem onerous to some, experience has shown that they are important so that the new rector has a chance to form a relationship with the congregation without the “former cleric’s interference. This policy is not unique to our diocese or even the Episcopal Church. While I will ask to remain on your E-newsletter and follow the youth Facebook page, I will keep you in my prayers but will not respond other than through your rector, Father Jon. Again, thank you for letting me be part of your family this past year and may God continue to bless and keep you.
Peace,
Bryant+
