A message from Rev. Michelle and a message from Deacon Sue Bonsteel and Warden Leah Siuta.
Dear Ones,
It is with a mixture of sadness and hope that I share with you my decision to leave St. John’s. In some ways, this was not an easy decision and in other ways it was a very simple one.
When I came to St. John’s after being on a bishop’s staff, it was because I wanted to pastor a parish community – to be a part of and learn more about the fabric of parish life. And now, after 8 years of walking with you as your Rector, it’s time for me to explore another call/position in the Church. I don’t yet know what that will look like or where that will be.
And the time has come for St. John’s to discern how God is calling you to continue living into your common life in Christ. The financial concerns that St. John’s is facing, while difficult, are certainly not insurmountable. You have resources and options. You also have a new Bishop and his staff who care very deeply about our congregations. It’s clear to me that St. John’s is being called to new life and I don’t know what that will look like. But I do know that, in order for it to happen, you must continue without me as your Rector.
The reason that this has been a simple decision for me is because of the clarity I have received in prayer and in conversation with trusted advisors. And, honestly, that clarity comes because of my love for you. Which is also the reason that this has not been an easy decision – it’s never easy to leave people you love.
In 2016-17, soon after my arrival, we discerned a new mission statement – to be a bridge of God’s Love. As I reflect, I recall the times of celebration and great joy as well as the moments in which we supported one another though difficultly. Throughout, we remained committed to one another and to Christ. There is no question that St. John’s is an open and affirming community and we have grown because of that commitment to being a bridge of God’s love. Those of you who joined St. John’s after the start of the pandemic, I hope you know how much the community is deepened by your presence and your commitment. Today, St. John’s is a bridge of God’s Love, a community that witnesses to the truth that all are welcome at God’s Table.
Your Vestry will need your commitment and support as they move forward in discernment. Deacon Sue Bonsteel and your Warden Leah Siuta will be your wise guides. My final worship service with you will be Sunday, June 2. After that, I will be spending the months of June, July, and August on sabbatical and in discernment. During this time, Ana and I will continue to live in the Rectory.
It has been my privilege to be your Rector. I have learned much and have grown as a priest during this time. My faith in Christ has deepened because of you and Ana and I are both grateful for the love you have shown to us these past years. I feel a kinship with you as a community and genuine love for each of you. So, as your priest and your friend, I will miss you. My comfort lies in the teaching of our Savior Jesus Christ, who tells us that this love will not be broken because love itself never dies.
In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle
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Dear Friends,
We imagine that after reading Michelle’s letter you are experiencing a range of emotions. We want you to know that whatever you are feeling is understandable and that you are not alone. We invite you talk with us, to share your concerns and to offer your support to one another. Many of us have gone through several transitions here at St. John’s and we know that this time can offer unique challenges. However, it may also offer opportunities to deepen our relationships and surprise us with unexpected blessings. It is important to remember that God is always with us.
We want to express our love, appreciation, and best wishes to Michelle and Ana as they discern what’s next for them. They have both shared their gifts of ministry with St. John’s and have built strong relationships. Yet we also acknowledge that this will be a challenging time for them as well. Our prayer for them is that their future may be filled with many new opportunities to share God’s love with others as they have shared God’s love with us.
Please be reassured that our Vestry will also be using these upcoming months to discern the possibilities for St. John’s. While we at this moment are unsure of what lies ahead, we are filled with the knowledge that we are still a strong, caring community of love for one other. We are committed to our mission that we are a Bridge of God’s Love to the World. There are many avenues to consider going forward. And we ask for your thoughts, concerns, ideas, and prayers as we do this work together.
We will be working closely with the Rev. Alissa Newton, who is the Canon to the Ordinary, and with the support of the Diocese of New York. Please join us in prayer for our church family that we will continue to live fully into all that God is calling us to be. May we embrace this journey with a sense of gratitude and hope.
Sue The Rev. Deacon Susan Bonsteel (retired)
Leah Leah Siuta, Warden