Dear St. John's Family,
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) After 47 years of ordained ministry, I find myself in a place I have never been before. Moving from one pastoral role to another has always been a natural step, each one taken with confidence in the Lord's leading, full of purpose in answer to a call. Stepping into retirement is a whole new experience for Betty and me. What is a constant is the truth of Proverbs 3:5-6 that has led us through all our ministry changes: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Once again, we are finding this to be rock-solid truth. The Lord is faithful to His word and we are trusting in His plans for us and for you and His ability to lead us all along His way.
"Retirement" was first mentioned back in 1998 when Glenn Wimer said to us, as he and Donna were chauffeuring us around the town of Petaluma, "Well, I hope you just live here until you retire!". That sounded so futuristic to us that we just laughed. Yet here we are! The Wimers and St. John’s proceeded to find a house big enough for our family of ten children and Grami, and what an adventure these past 27 years have been! (For examples: We came here as Episcopalians and we leave as Anglicans. We have moved homes twice and church location three times. We came with ten children and we leave with ten grandchildren.)
Thank you for the love, encouragement, and support you have shown to me and my family over the years. Betty and I are deeply grateful for this faith filled church family that has loved us so well. Serving as your rector has been one of the greatest privileges of my/our lives.
The faithful work of the search committee and the prayers of this congregation have led to the calling of a new rector. It brings me great joy to welcome Fr. Josh Miller and his wife April to St. John's. They will begin their ministry here on April 1, no fooling. And I have every confidence that God will continue to bless and grow this church under their leadership. Jeremiah 3:15 comes to mind here: And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. I know that they will be blessed as they get to know you and your hearts of love for Jesus as you walk together in His service. My prayer for the St. John's family is that you continue to seek the Lord and His kingdom with all your hearts, walk in unity, and shine as bright lights in this world.
March 30 will be my last Sunday as the rector of St. John's. Bp. Eric Menees will be here to lead the worship on this special Sunday. This transition is both exciting and humbling as Betty and I prepare for a new season of life in our continued service to the Lord, and we rejoice with you as you welcome Josh and April to their new church home.
Yours in Christ Jesus our Lord, Savior, Good Shepherd, and Head of the Church,
David+
A prayer for the St. John’s parish family:
Heavenly Father, I lift up St. John’s Anglican Church before You, thanking You for the faithful people who love and serve You here. May this church always be a place of worship, refuge, and spiritual growth. Bless Fr. Josh and April as they step into this new season of ministry, and grant them wisdom, strength, and grace to shepherd this congregation with love and humility. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would fill every heart, that this community would be knit together in love, and that Your name would be glorified in all things. Along with the apostle Paul, I pray that they continue ‘to stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel’ (Philippians 1:27). May they always seek first Your kingdom, and may Your will be done in and through them here on earth, just as it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
