October 17, 2017

Dear Parishioners,

Tonight at our October Vestry meeting, I informed the Vestry of my intention to retire as Rector of this incredible parish. My last Sunday at St. John’s will be Sunday, May 20, 2018.

I find it hard to express fully how deeply grateful I am for the privilege of serving St. John’s for what will be, God willing, 24 years in May 2018. Being part of the clergy leadership of this congregation has been an undreamt dream come true.

The most difficult part of this is knowing that the day approaches when Lu and I will depart from this community of faith. It will be very difficult for Lu and me to say goodbye to our congregation. St. John’s is the congregation in which our daughters, Sofia and Emilia, grew up. You hold a special place in our hearts. I am certain, however, that this is the appropriate time to retire.

The life experiences we have shared are too many to recount. Thank you for your generosity of spirit, love, respect, friendship, support, forbearance, and forgiveness over these 23 years. You are an extraordinary congregation.

The Wardens will meet with Bishop Budde on Wednesday, October 18 to discuss next steps. The Wardens and Vestry will gather on Saturday, November 4 for a day retreat at Virginia Theological Seminary with a consultant from the Diocese of Washington to begin the transition and search process as St. John’s prepares itself for the 15th Rector of this parish. They will keep you informed as the process takes place.

This letter comes with my gratitude to God and to you for the gift and privilege of having served and lived among you these many years. You have been a blessing in our lives.

Faithfully yours,

The Reverend Dr. Luis León
Rector
St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square