What a privilege it has been to serve God at All Saints’ Richland! You welcomed us into your midst and showered us with your love from the very beginning. Your parish leadership has worked tirelessly and faithfully to this point where you find yourselves perched on that wonderful place between “not yet” and “unlimited possibilities.” In just a few weeks, Jane Schmoetzer will join you as your next rector and your journey will continue. This is an exciting time!
I have noticed many things about you during this time we have been together. You are a vibrant community with a high level of energy for ministry. You value lay leadership and baptismal ministry; Pastoral Care is important to you; you make beautiful music together for the glory of God and you expect great music; serving God through outreach is fundamentally who you are; you love to gather around the table for meals. I have been present as you have struggled with important issues regarding sexuality and gender and inclusiveness. You love to learn. This is a sacramental community to its very core.
You have accomplished a lot since November. Fully equipped Godly Play classrooms will greet children from preschool through fifth grade in September. Parishioners distributed nearly 100 food boxes at Thanksgiving AND Christmas; mobilized three teams for American Cancer Society Relay for Life raising over $4,000. The choir presented Vivaldi’s Gloria, twice, inviting the community and taking up a free will offering in support of St. Paul’s, Kennewick. You joined with me to make Nicholas cookies and distributed them on St. Nicholas’ feast day in December. You joyfully celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost with balloons and kites and all the colors of fire. You continue to be deeply involved in Shalom Ecumenical Center (SEC) as one of the founding churches supporting their work to the marginalized.
You are blessed. You have blessed us. There is still so much work to do. We are called to ministry by our baptism and gathered into communities to challenge and to support one another as we participate in the mission of the church. As you welcome Jane and Bruce and Kyle into your midst remember who and whose you are. You have left footprints on our hearts and we entrust you to God’s never failing care and Jane’s vibrant leadership. Godspeed.
 

“O Lord, your compassions never fail, and your mercies are new every morning …” This is the way of Jesus Christ, the way that leads to life.