Because it’s easy to forget the big picture when going through the day-to-day, I want to remind everyone about upcoming changes in pastoral roles at The Vine.
When we began our Associate Rector (coadjutant) search in the spring of 2023, we prayed for and worked mightily to discover the person God would bless to fill this role. The whole point was to find the right person to become my successor as lead pastor (rector). By the end of September, the Lord had provided! Michael King, Hannah and their kids would come on board at the end of November. An agreement on a timeline for transition was drawn up and signed by all parties, including our bishop, Steve Wood.
It was agreed that Michael would serve as a “rector-in-training” (that’s the coadjutant part) under my direction until sometime in the summer of 2024, at which time he would be installed as rector.
As the months moved along, Michael and I greatly enjoyed working together toward this goal. It has been a joy to see the energy and creativity he’s brought into the life of our church family. And now, we are nearing the time he will become our rector (lead pastor).
On Sunday, July 28, we will hold worship at a later afternoon time for Michael to be “installed.” Bishop Glenn will preside. There will be festivities(!), so please plan around the event if you can. It will be a good and momentous day for all of us!
I will continue to serve the church in a pastoral capacity until the end of 2024, giving focus to some specific tasks, including anchoring our youth ministry for the future. What will happen after that is fun to think about… I’ve never been a free agent priest before! The Vine will continue to be Cheryl’s and my home church.
All shall be well,
Owen