Dear Covenant Community:

It is prophetic that the last two weeks in November we have heard from the Book of Joshua. Our country has faced many changes this November reminiscent of the changes that the nation of Israel faced. A change in our economy, a new history making president and now we have another change that hits at the heart of our Covenant Community. After three years of faithful service as our spiritual leader, Kevin Phillips has resigned with his last Sunday preaching being November 23, 2008. His dignity and grace; his humility and leadership; his beliefs and desires for our growth were evidenced last night when he shared his decision with the Vestry.

As Kevin stated in his blog, “My decision came down to simple arithmetic.” However, the process of making this decision is indeed not a simple one when you have dedicated endless hours to teaching us, guiding us, often cajoling us, while supporting our transition into a vibrant Covenant Community. The Vestry appreciates each of the steps that were made on his decision making journey. The Vestry’s support of Kevin’s decision is simple yet complex with each one of us filled with a wide range of emotions.

During Kevin’s tenure we have witnessed two movements that parallel the Joshua story: reminders of the Lord’s faithfulness and the call to commitment. The Vestry unanimously agrees that Kevin has moved our community to a position of increased commitment and, as important, he has encouraged collaborative and participatory leadership. Great progress has been made due to Kevin’s vision and strategic direction. For that we are tremendously grateful and joy filled.

The third movement is now up to us: our response to change and the next steps in our journey as a Covenant Community.

So Joshua said to the people, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord for yourselves, to serve Him." And they said, "We are witnesses!" "Now therefore," he said to Joshua, "The Lord our God we will serve and His voice we will obey." - The New King James Version. Joshua 24: 23-24

During this time of transition we must remain strong in faith and continue to serve. We must bear witness to our continued growth in order to realize and achieve our potential. The Vestry is now working with Bishop Jones who will meet with us this week to finalize the transition in our spiritual leadership. The plan will be shared with you as soon as it is definite.

We ask for your prayers and your ongoing commitment as we embark on the next path of our journey in faith, together as a loving Covenant Community.

Yours in Christ,
Vestry, St. David’s Episcopal Church