St. Stephen's Memorial Episcopal Church

             Lent and Holy Week are now behind us as we shout for joy that Easter (and springtime!) is finally here!  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  As we enter this Easter season I am acutely aware that my time at St. Stephen’s is coming to an end, and we will say good-bye on Sunday, May 22.  This is never easy and even as I write about it now, I have a lump in my throat.

The first time I recall saying good-bye to a community was in 1989 when my family moved from Rome, Georgia to Asheville, North Carolina.  Since then I’ve moved six times in my life, and I’ve had to say good-bye many times.  But one thing is clear - while I’ve had to leave different communities over the years, a part of them always stay with me…lessons I’ve learned, experiences we’ve shared, memories of those I’ve encountered along the way.             

As I reflect on my time at St. Stephen’s, I can’t help but smile.  One of my first memories is Carolyn Hoy and Chris Trahan highlighting maps for me to figure out how to get around the North Shore and then giving myself thirty minutes to get to St. Stephen’s Towers when the building is less than five minutes away.  Learning the annual cycle of events at St. Stephen’s took some time but I’ll look back on Homecoming, the “longest Fair in the diocese”, the Soul Food Dinner and Big Money Raffle with fond memories.  As a community we know how to eat, dance and have a good time with one another.  I can’t help but think of the day Jason Cruz and I took over twelve teens to the NS Career Center to help them apply for summer jobs and the work that continues with ECCO to secure jobs for young people.  The list could go on and on.  Working with the teachers and children of the Church School, the youth group, acolytes, lay eucharistic ministers, book group leaders and each of you have helped shape me into the priest I am today.

What I will remember most are times we worshiped and prayed together as we gathered for communion on Sunday mornings, at the healing services and in homes or at the hospital.  God’s presence became known to us more fully as we shared the bread and wine together- as we joined together in prayer.  God continued to transform and heal us, and I’ve been altered by these moments.  I am not the person I was when I first came to St. Stephen’s, and I am grateful.    

When I think back on my time here- as your faces come into my mind- so will the words, “This is God’s table and all are welcome here.” These words spoken at the altar each week are important to so many of you, and they have changed me as well.  You welcomed me here and helped me to know God more fully each day through your authenticity and hospitality.  In trying times Neil reminded me of the importance of flexibility and in those moments I experienced God’s abundant grace.  I am grateful that this is a place we come to encounter God and one another just as we are.  I give thanks for the opportunity to serve with you and among you. 

In this Easter Season may we rest in the assurance that through Jesus, new life will come.  While it is hard for me to see what my days will be like in North Carolina, new opportunities will be revealed.  Let us rest in the hope and assurance of God’s abundant blessings as we wait to see what new things are in store for St. Stephen’s.  May God bless you this day and in the days ahead.