Dear Incarnation Family and Friends,
I have been serving the Church of the Incarnation for a little over eight years now – first as Associate Rector, then as Interim Priest in Charge, and most recently as Priest in Charge. Today I become your Rector, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
Some of you know this change in role is unconventional. Best practices in the Episcopal Church require parishes to bring in “new blood” when hiring a rector, as opposed to promoting from within. Thus, the Bishop of New York initially determined that I was ineligible to become Rector of Incarnation given my history here. Times are changing, however, and together with the Vestry, he is now supportive of me assuming this position, recognizing that the Holy Spirit has led us to this place. Thanks be to God!
As I have said before, my first church out of seminary molded me into a priest. Incarnation molded me into a pastor. You are beloved to me, and caring for this community of faith – even and especially through a global pandemic! – has been and continues to be one of the greatest privileges of my life.
I cherish the moments when I connect with one of you over our shared love for Incarnation. You care deeply and so do I. Your commitment to the Gospel inspires me, and serving alongside devoted clergy, staff, and lay leaders is a true joy.
We now begin a new chapter together, building upon Incarnation’s legacy of spreading the light of Christ in our city and discerning what it means today to be a church of disciples who live and love like Jesus.
Our God is always a God of new beginnings – Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection proclaim this to be true. As we begin a new church year on the first Sunday of Advent, I can’t imagine a better time to express my profound gratitude for all that has been and look to the future with a resounding “yes”!
May we always say “yes” to Jesus, his claim on our lives, and his love made manifest through the life of our parish.
With love in Christ,
Adrian+
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.
– Colossians 3:14-15