Dear St. Philippians,
Many of you heard
my bittersweet announcement on Sunday, 02.24.08, that the Rev. Megan M. Traquair, Associate Rector since August of 2002, will leave
us soon after Easter. Happily
for Megan, the Rt. Rev. Kirk S. Smith, Bishop of Arizona, is appointing her to
be his Vicar at the Church of the Apostles in
Megan will preach
for the last time on
Please watch Sunday bulletins announcement (also posted on our website on Mondays) for transition plans as they develop—who to contact for various things during the interim period between Megan’s departure and the arrival of a new priest. We are especially cognizant of her considerable pastoral responsibilities. Thankfully, we are blessed with many lay and clergy leaders who can take on these responsibilities for a brief time.
I am pleased to announce the formation of a Search Committee to assist me with the calling of a new priest, hopefully by the Fall of this year. Ms. Barbara Peck, former Senior Warden, has agreed to chair the Committee. I will be inviting others to join the Committee. As you may recall that by Canon the calling decision is the Rector’s, but that I always choose to engage the good sense and wisdom of lay leaders in the process.
Megan’s departure leaves a very big hole in our ministry and leadership team. We have bonded with her, and we trust her. We rely upon her. It is healthy to grieve our loss. It is natural to feel vulnerable, not knowing to whom to turn in the future. Transitions feel uncertain and difficult. This is a time to turn to the faith we share. It is a time for prayer and meditation. Join me in seeking and once again, learning to trust the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit. As I have quoted at other times of changing pastorates, this is “a time pregnant with possibilities.” Trust in God’s faithfulness and God’s promises of new life. Believe in God’s infinite capacity to surprise and delight us with a new priest who will bless us in ways we cannot anticipate.
Let me anticipate two
things you will want to know. First,
those who desire to contribute to a purse for Megan, please write checks to: St. Philip’s In
The Hills Parish, with “Megan’s purse” on the memo line. Mail them, care of Ms. Bonnie Flint at the
parish address. I am obligated to note
that these gifts are not tax-deductible.
Secondly, some of you will want to write letters of thanksgiving and
tribute. Please write these of 8.5” by
11” paper. Send them unfolded in a
manila envelope, care of the Rev. Gail Carlsen at the
parish address. The
purse and the check will be presented to Megan on
Finally, please take a moment to speak with Megan and to thank her for all she has done for and with us. And, please begin to pray for her and for the Church of the Holy Apostles as they join in doing God’s ministry in the world.
Thank you.
Faithfully yours,
The Reverend John E. Kitagawa
Rector