This entry was the last posted on the church blog at Trinity. I had planned to delete it after my own postings had been migrated to this site. But there are a few things said below that need to hang around for a good deal longer.
My entries to this blog have been sporadic at best, but that is going to change in any number of ways in the next few weeks. After serving over fifteen years as the priest at Trinity Episcopal Church in Greeley, I am stepping down from that role on December 31 and retiring from parish ministry leadership on January 1, 2019.
The address of this blog is trinitygreeley.wordpress.com and that will stay with the parish. The past content will be moved to a new home: http://www.apprenticepriest.com. The move will take place early in January. Given the joys of packing up and saying my goodbyes in the midst of the Advent/Christmas seasons (what was I thinking?) I doubt I will make another post on this site before that move.
Though this post will only stay up a few more weeks I will close it off with thanksgiving. I thank God for sending us to Trinity. Trinity parish has been a place of healing, of vision, of hope and of energy for Dorie Ann and me. The town in which we have been blessed to live has a marketing phrase: “Greeley Unexpected.” That’s certainly been true in our case. With the vision and commitment of local leaders Greeley is in the midst of a wonderful period of renewal and we will miss this place very much. I have been privileged to work along side of some of these leaders and to get to know many others.
Still, I come back to God’s graciousness in allowing us to be part of this parish family. You all are on an exciting path. There will be many challenges, a few pot-holes, new opportunities and many unexpected blessings. Over 15 years ago I had my first chance to speak to many of the congregation at a special meeting in which, among many other things, I was introduced as your soon-to-be interim rector. At that meeting God gave me a phrase to share with you, a phrase that turned out to be prophetic. And it is still true.
God has a future for Trinity, and that future is good.
The Apprentice Priest 
Father Jack, Although we’ve never met in person, I thank God that you have, and will continue to, bless each and every person you encounter. I am thankful that my dear friend, Donna, introduced me to your blog. I am looking forward to, and will continue to read your new blog. The Heaven’s have blessed you, Sir!
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