A TIME OF TRANSITION
Changing. Growing.
Moving on into our future.
Father Gary is retiring on August 31.
On Tuesday, May 26, Father Gary shared his retirement plans with the staff and vestry and then sent a letter to members of the congregation. After 35 years of active ministry (including eight years here at Good Shepherd), he is looking forward to time to enjoy his family, to rest, and to experience renewal in nature. Press the button below to read in full his announcement letter to the congregation.
What happens now?
While we will miss Father Gary’s steady, faithful, and inspiring leadership, the path forward is in very good hands. Andy Folkerth, our Senior Warden, and Curt Watson, our Junior Warden, have met with the Transition Officer of our diocese to discuss the path ahead. Together, they have identified a promising candidate to serve as an Interim Rector who will be interviewed by the Vestry in the near future. They plan to have our Interim Rector begin Sunday, September 6.
As the first step to recruit a new Rector, Andy and Curt will lead a Profile Committee to develop a comprehensive Parish Profile and a Ministry Portfolio. Afterwards, they will establish a Search Committee to select candidates.
We have three summer months ahead to honor Father’s Gary’s ministry with us, enjoy fellowship with him and his family, and send him off with all the love and gratitude this parish has to offer. Take the opportunity is the weeks ahead to let Father Gary know what his ministry has meant to you.
To read our Senior Warden’s entire letter of response to Father Gary’s announcement, click on the button below.
Keep informed.
Find the latest news about the transition here on this page, in the newsletter or through Father Gary’s weekly video update.