Transition Process Updates

Dear friends in Christ,

I write to share the news that I will be leaving St. David’s in February 2022. My last Sunday with you will be Feb. 6.
The past few years have been challenging for us all, and caused us to consider anew what God is asking of us individually and as a church. I have discerned that God is calling me now to spend more time focused on my 96 year old mother, and Mark and our children. Now more than ever, I am aware that life is short and time is precious. I plan on taking extended time with them before considering where God might be leading me next in ministry.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your rector for these 13 years. I am beyond grateful to have been invited into your lives to walk the spiritual journey with you. St. David’s has a strong leadership team including vestry, trustees and staff and ministry leaders. You share a strong heart and healthy spirit and I have every confidence that God will continue to bless and prosper you as a covenant community.
Please pray for your St. David’s leadership as they enter into discernment about next steps, as I will be holding you all in my heart and prayers.

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Letter from Rev. Mary Kay

Update from Wardens

Fellow parishioners, 
 
It is with a heavy heart, but also a joyful noise for our beloved Rector that Mary Kay Brown will be leaving us on February 6, 2022. We are so grateful that she has blessed St. David's with her spiritual leadership and love the past 13 years. As if we needed any other changes in our lives, we understand many of you are anxious at this time. As your St. David's Leadership team, we assure you that we will do our best, with your help, to make this a smooth transition. We will be meeting with the Diocese on next steps, which will initially include obtaining a supply priest, and will communicate with you on this journey through our Happenings newsletter and the website, sdlife.org. If you have any questions, please contact us at wardens@sdlife.org.  
 
We are fortunate to have so many committed parishioners serving our faith community, such as the vestry, trustees, staff, ministry leaders and other volunteers. We value our entire covenant community and are confident that we as a congregation will remain strong through this transition and continue to be a beacon of light in these times, always with God's help. 
 
Please mark your calendar for February 6th for a drive by, socially distant, farewell in the church parking lot to celebrate our beloved Rector. More details to be shared soon. 
 
In Christ, 
David Sheatsley and Anne Shively 

Diocesan Process

The above link will provide some information from the Diocese on the transition process. 

The Diocese of Virginia takes seriously the challenges and joys inherent in transition. Whether the incumbent rector, vicar or priest-in-charge is retiring or taking another call, this “in-between time” can be an opportunity for accepting the loss of a beloved shepherd, for healing old wounds, for discovering how the church and its surrounding community has changed since the last call, and for imagining how God is calling the church to be the Body of Christ now and in the future. There will be anxiety about this future, but, approached faithfully, there may also be great discovery and growth.

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See Some Examples

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