Fr Nathan’s letter to Saint Mary’s parish announcing his change
Reverend Nathan W. Ferrell
Remember your leaders, those who spoke the Word of God to you;
consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
(Hebrews 13.7-8)
All of you have heard me say a number of times that change is the only constant in life. It is time for Saint Mary’s to experience another round of change. God has called me away to serve as Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky. While I am excited about this new adventure, I am sad to leave all of you behind. This is not a career move for me. St. Mark’s is currently a smaller parish, although it has great potential to grow. This move is primarily about taking care of my family. St. Mark’s is located two blocks from Erin’s childhood home. We will move into that house which also contains separate apartments for our daughter Fiona and for my father Bob. This house is one mile away from the home of Erin’s mother Cheri. In addition, Louisville is an easy four-hour drive away from Chicago, the home of our daughter Se’ and her husband Tommy, and from Pittsburgh, the home of our son Angus and his wife Angelina, and also from St. Louis where my only sister Verity is soon to move. While I will very much miss Saint Mary’s and the beauty of New England, it makes sense to make this move to a situation where we can be best situated to care for our family.
Hopefully you have also heard me say many times that life is all about relationships. I hope you will remember me as one who spoke the Word of God to you and as one whose way of life was to assiduously work toward building healthy relationships. Life on planet earth is full of changes, but the wonderful, good news is that our Savior never changes. God’s call to each of us remains constant as we continue to grow in our love for God and our neighbors. My friends, no matter what changes you may experience in life, never give up on this simple yet beautiful way of life that we find in Jesus.
My last Sunday with you will be September 29. God willing, we will move to Louisville in October so that I can begin serving at St. Mark’s in November. I will leave you with the confidence of knowing that Saint Mary’s is in a good place. Your community life is strong, you continue to slowly grow in numbers, your worship is vibrant and offered with excellence to the glory of God, your staff are experienced and competent, your vestry is capable and prayerful, and your outreach efforts continue to grow. I have no doubt that Saint Mary’s will carry on as a healthy parish for many decades to come.
Thank you for entrusting me with this leadership position over the last twelve years. Never forget that life is short and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel along with road with us. So be quick to love, make haste to be kind, and blessing of God Almighty be with you all, now and always. Amen!
Nathan W. Ferrell+