Dear Christ Church,

The afternoon of September 11, 2001, the news reported there would be a service at Christ Church that evening. I attended that night, and while it was another few months before I began to attend regularly, I knew at that moment that you were my people.  You have loved and cared for me as a lay person and as clergy, and I have done my best to do the same for you.

God has now called me to serve his people at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville. This Sunday (April 23) will be my last Sunday as a member of the Christ Church clergy team.

Over the years, my journey as a lay person included leadership in the Solo Flight Singles and Christ Church Cares, serving as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister. You helped me grow my faith through EfM and other classes. You supported and encouraged me as I discerned my call to ordained ministry. The time I spent with you as a lay person and as clergy, in Pastoral Care has meant so much to me, especially as I journeyed with you when you were grieving and hurting in any way. A very exciting time for me was leading clergy and laity in the development of Christ Centered Advance Care Planning – a ministry that helps families make important life decisions.

In addition to pastoral care, the role of a deacon is focused on ministry in the world. Many of you know of my engagement with the abused and abandoned children of Amistad Mission since 2007. More recently, I have joined Father Tom and DeeAnn in ministry in Uganda, and plan to continue in that work. I also hope to continue the work with the Facing Racism ministry.

My life here at Christ Church has been full and spirit filled. You have been a gift to my life. I truly believe you have prepared me to do the work that God has now called me to do in this next stage of my life. Thank you for your support over the years. God’s peace to each of you.

Grace and Love,

Deacon Marsha