I am beginning my fifth month of ministry here at St. Luke’s Church. To be honest, I never imagined myself living in New Jersey (although we have come to love the place). Our arrival here has been a “coming home” of sorts on many levels. First, I grew up in Baltimore, and the overall atmosphere of suburban New Jersey is very much like the area where spent my childhood and young adult years. I never realized how much I missed the green, rolling hills and the four distinct seasons of the Mid-Atlantic climate.
Second, by becoming Rector here, I return to the Reformed Episcopal Church, a part of the Anglican Church in North America. Prior to this, I had served in the Anglican Mission (AMiA) for about nine years. Many times, people leave one jurisdiction for another with a sense that there was something lacking in their prior connection. But this is not the case for me. I confess to loving both the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Anglican Mission. Both have outstanding bishops, both are a part of what God is doing on the North American Anglican scene. I have been privileged to serve in both bodies.
Finally, coming to St. Luke’s is coming home for me because I have found the people there to be family for me. Cheryl and Noah and I have been warmly received and we have had a wonderful experience here—as well as a sense that this is where we belong. And that, as far as I can see, is what a home is. I am so very thankful for the people of St. Luke’s and the ministry that the Lord has given me in this place.
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