04/28/2026
Important Announcement from Fr. Jeff
Dear Beloved St. Margaretâs,
I have some big news to share with you all, which comes with a mix of excitement and sadness.
After prayerful discernment, I have accepted a call to serve on Bishop Samuel Rodman's Staff of the Diocese of North Carolina, as Canon Missioner for Congregational Vitality. In this role, I will work with parishes across the west side of the diocese, the Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro regions, supporting clergy and lay leaders as they discern their gifts and grow deeper in their participation of Godâs mission.
Serving as your rector these last 8 1/2 years has been an honor and privilege. Together, we have worshiped, prayed, grown, and walked through both joyful and challenging seasons. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have given me and for the ways we have shared in Christâs work together.
Just as God called me to serve here, God is now calling me to this next chapter of ministry. While I am excited about this new opportunity, I will also miss St. Margaretâs greatly.
My last Sunday will be May 31 at 10:00am. I hope that day will be a day of worship and celebration, with lots of hugs! In addition to the morning service, that day is also Diocesan Confirmations & Receptions at 4:00pm at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. Presenting new people for confirmation and reception will be my last act as rector.
But thatâs not all the news I have to share.
Our beloved organist-choirmaster Dock Anderson has prayerfully discerned a call to serve as the new Director of Music at Holy Innocentsâ Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Dock and I have always joked that since we came in at the same time, we should also leave at the same time. We never planned or imagined that would actually happen so precisely.
Dock has done tremendous work here at St. Margaretâs. Under his leadership, our choirs have grown significantly. Our worship has deepened because of the way he can use his musical gifts to move us to laughter, tears, or wonder. While this move to Holy Innocents' is a wonderful progression of his career, it is not without great sadness that he has to leave this community. Dockâs last Sunday will also be May 31.
I know this overwhelming news will bring a range of emotionsâshock, gratitude, grief, uncertaintyâall of which are natural. Please know that Dock and I are both incredibly grateful for our time here. The gifts you all have given us are amongst the primary reasons why we feel called to our new work.
The Vestry, under the excellent leadership of our Senior Warden Diane Nivens and Junior Warden John Herman, with the guidance of our diocesan staff, will guide you through the next steps as you listen, trust, and obey Godâs call for your next priest and organist-choirmaster. The same Spirit that has guided us thus far will lead you into the future with hope.
With gratitude and love in Christ,
Jeff+
Dear St. Margaretâs,
My heart is full as I reflect on our time together. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has poured their heart into our music programs--from those of you in the pews who donated instruments and resources, to the dedicated musicians who gave so much of their time, energy, and love. Your support has been the backbone of everything weâve achieved. While I am truly excited to begin this new chapter, this moment is bittersweet; I have loved my time at St. Margaretâs more than words can say, and leaving this community is one of the hardest things Iâve had to do. I will go knowing that I have made lifelong friends here, and you will never be far from my thoughts.
Love,
Dock
