01/18/2023
FROM PASTOR JAY:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1
I thank my God every time I remember you,
constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you,
because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.
-Philippians 1:3-5
18 January 2023A
Season after the Epiphany
Dear CALC,
Eight years ago you and I began an adventure together in ministry here in our corner of Philadelphia and of Christ’s Church. You took a chance on a first call candidate for ministry. Together, since my call on the Ides of March in 2015, we have celebrated so much: my ordination and installation, several seminarians we have raised up together for ministry, countless meals and parties and fellowship opportunities. We have helped our community, reaching out with God’s amazing love to so many in our neighborhood and beyond. We have installed and blessed a new organ and celebrated a beautiful new play yard.
There have been challenges along the way, too. It should be no surprise that finances have always been on our minds together. We have together been through the closure of Christ Lutheran Child Care Center and opened Christ Ascension Preschool! We have mourned and said goodbye to many friends and siblings. We continued to gather as the people of God on Zoom for well over two years—first because of COVID-19 and then because of my broken ankle.
I am so grateful for your partnership as we journey together, living fully into who God has called us to be in our ministry and in this place. Each of you are a blessing to God’s church and to my ministry among you. I do not know that I would be the pastor I am without your sharing of yourselves in mutual ministry together: helping and guiding and teaching and sharing and most of all offering your patience, support, and love. Thank you.
When I began my time, many people asked how long I might stay as your Pastor. And as many of you know, my response has always been that I did not begin my ministry here with an end date in sight. Rather, I say that when the Spirit sings her song I am always open to listen. I have said time and time again that I would not look to be called away from Christ Ascension, but rather to be called to another ministry.
My siblings, the time has come and I have accepted a call to Luther Memorial Church in Erie, PA. Among other things, this is a chance for Chaz and I to move closer to family and for me to share much of what I have learned to be and do as a pastor in a corner of Christ’s Church that I feel needs my gifts at this time.
And so, after eight years, it is time for us to say goodbye. I am resigning as your Pastor effective Sunday, February 19th. Together, we will see each other through this journey we are on through the Season after the Epiphany and will part ways to begin the journey of Lent in different directions. I hope you will be there on February 19th as we say goodbye, and as we wish one another well in our journeys as I take my leave as your Pastor.
Until that day, I continue to serve as your Pastor and am available to you for any questions, concerns, or pastoral needs you may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
As always, I am in Christ’s Hope,
Pastor Jay
