05/27/2026
Last night Fr. Gary Brower.informed the Vestry that he will retire from active ministry, and Good Shepherd at the end of the summer. The text of his letter, and the Wardens' response follow:
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Good people of Good Shepherd,
After much prayer, reflection, and conversation with my family, bishop, and trusted companions in ministry, I write to share that I will be retiring from active ministry, and as your rector, effective August 31, 2026— two days after my 71st birthday.
Serving this congregation over the past eight years has been one of the deepest privileges of my priesthood. Together we have worshiped, prayed, grieved, celebrated, welcomed new members, baptized and buried beloved saints, and sought to follow Christ faithfully in this community of Centennial. I am profoundly grateful for the trust, generosity, and love you have shown me and my family throughout these years.
When I arrived at Good Shepherd as your rector, I could not have imagined all that God would do among us. I give thanks for the ways this parish has dealt with basement/office floods, a pandemic and Zoom-worship, while growing in faith, joy, and service. Whether in Sunday worship (zoom, or in-person), outreach ministries, stewardship campaigns, pastoral care, the celebration of our 50th Anniversary, or simple moments of fellowship, I have witnessed the grace of God alive in this congregation again and again.
Retirement brings with it mixed emotions. After thirty-five years of ministry (nineteen here in Colorado—most in association with Good Shepherd), I look forward to a new season of rest, renewal—yes, cycling, birding, and fishing—and time with loved ones. But it is not easy to say goodbye to a community that has been such an important part of my life. Yet I trust that God will continue to guide this parish into “The Next 50” filled with new leadership and fresh opportunities for ministry.
I am incredibly grateful to Andy Folkerth and Curt Watson who both said “Yes” with regard to remaining as wardens in this season of transition. I am committed to working closely with them and the other parish leaders (and the Office of the Bishop) to ensure a smooth and healthy transition. I ask your prayers for all of those who will guide Good Shepherd through this next chapter, and I hope you will also pray for me as I begin this new season of life.
Thank you for allowing me to walk beside you in faith these past eight years. I will cherish the relationships we have built and the ministry we have shared.
May God continue to bless and sustain this amazing parish.
Faithfully yours,
The Rev. Gary R Brower, PhD
Rector
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Dear Good Shepherd Family,
You have received Fr. Gary's letter sharing the news of his retirement. To say this is bittersweet would be an understatement. After eight wonderful years with us and thirty-five total years of faithful ministry, Gary has more than earned this next chapter of his life. We are genuinely thrilled for him to have the time to bike, fish, bird-watch, and simply enjoy life with Susan and his family. At the same time, we would not be honest if we did not say how deeply we will miss his steady, faithful, and inspiring leadership of our beloved parish. Gary has guided Good Shepherd through challenges and celebrations alike, and his impact on this congregation will be felt for years to come.
We also want to assure you that the path forward is in very good hands. We (Andy and Curt) have already met with the Transition Officer of the Office of the Bishop to discuss the process that lies ahead. Over the next several months we will form a Profile Committee to develop a comprehensive Parish Profile and Ministry Portfolio for Good Shepherd, and from there we will establish a Search Committee to find our next Rector. In the meantime, we are pleased to share that we have already met with a promising candidate for the Interim Rector position. We came away from that meeting feeling very positive about the fit, and we will be bringing this individual to interview with the full Vestry soon. Our hope and expectation is to have our Interim Rector in place the very first Sunday after Fr. Gary's retirement, so that there will be no gap in pastoral leadership for our congregation.
Most importantly, we have three wonderful summer months ahead of us to celebrate Fr. Gary and the remarkable ministry he has shared with us. Let's make the most of this time together — honoring his service, enjoying fellowship, and sending him off with all the love and gratitude this parish has to offer. We encourage each of you to take every opportunity in the coming weeks to let Fr. Gary know what his leadership has meant to you and to your family.
We are excited about the future of Good Shepherd. Given the wonderful celebration we enjoyed of our 50th Anniversary, we feel that spirit carrying us forward into the Next 50. Please keep Gary, Susan, our Vestry, and our entire parish family in your prayers as we walk together into this next season with confidence and joy.
With gratitude and hope,
Andy Folkerth, Senior Warden
Curt Watson, Junior Warden
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
