Dear Transfiguration,
Time flies when you’re having fun, and these 6 1/2 years have really flown by. There also comes a time when even the best things must come to an end. And so it is with the deepest gratitude and love for Transfiguration and all of you that I announce my retirement, effective November 30.
When one receives a call to the ordained ministry you are asked to be ready to go where God sends you and to serve where you are sent. In my almost 25 years of ministry in the United Methodist Church and then at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, I have been blessed to serve among so many wonderful people. It has been the honor and privilege of my life to be part of this amazing staff here at the Fig and to share life with such a truly Christ-like community.
Of all the places God sent me none have given me deeper joy than to serve among you. I have received so much more than I was able to give and I feel so blessed to have been able to spend my last years in active ministry with you.
And the best news of all for me is that I am not going anywhere. Ed and I will continue to call the Fig our church home and will worship and serve with you and, together with you, continue to bring God’s love to the world.
Thank you for being you and opening your hearts, your lives and your faith to me. See you in church!!!
Grace and Peace,
Nancy
Dear Transfiguration,
It has been my immense privilege to work with Nancy these past six years. I still remember so clearly our first conversations, when she and Ed were attending on Saturdays and she was still pastoring a United Methodist congregation. She inspired me with this commitment to refueling her own spiritual reserves so she could pour them out upon the people she served. When the opportunity arose to bring her onboard our staff, it didn’t take a moment to know that she would be a huge blessing in many ways.
In her tenure, Nancy has provided spiritual direction to countless folks seeking guidance, led our Stephen Ministry, launched the Second Half ministry, shared in the Tuesday book group, co-led our racial justice ministry, taught classes, led grief groups, preached, and offered compassionate pastoral care to our congregation. We call her Pastor Nancy, and that is just right. She is the quintessential pastor: a lover and shepherd of souls, just like her Lord. I’ve learned a great deal from observing and serving alongside her, and I’m sure Rebecca, Ted, and the rest of our staff would say the same.
As she says in her message, we can be thankful that Nancy and Ed aren’t leaving us. She is stepping down from the staff but they are remaining a part of our church, so you’ll continue to see them around.
If Nancy’s ministry has been a blessing to you in any way, I hope you’ll consider contributing to a purse we’ll present her in thanksgiving for her ministry. And I hope you’ll also consider writing her to share how she’s blessed you. Words of love are a big way we can show our appreciation for her lifetime of service to Christ’s Church.
Peace be with you all.
Casey+