October 24, 2017

Dear Parishioners,

As you all have learned, our Rector has announced his intention to retire next year, and his last Sunday with us will be May 20, 2018. Luis has been our steadfast leader for over 23 years – a constant and guiding presence. We will miss him and Lu dearly and look forward to celebrating them and their time with us in the months ahead.

As noted in Luis’s letter, Richard Metzger and I met with Bishop Budde on

October 18 to begin discussing next steps. On November 4, Rev. Canon Paula Clark of the Diocese of Washington will join a Vestry retreat as we begin the transition and search process.

As we enter into this time of transition, please know that Richard and I, as well as all Vestry members, stand ready to be of assistance to you in any way we can, particularly given that this will be only the second time in over 50 years that our parish will undertake the search for a new rector. We will, of course, keep you informed as the process moves forward, but want you to know that we are here as a resource now and in the months ahead. Your support and input during this time of change will be vital.

We give thanks to God for Luis and his leadership. It is with hearts full of gratitude that we will now begin to look towards the next chapter in the life of our parish.

Warmly,

Hilary West

Senior Warden