Greetings members and friends of St. Stephen’s and the Vine,
Easter season is swiftly approaching. It is a time of a new life, new promises fulfilled, and new direction. Family, it is with a tinge of bittersweetness that I announce my transition from priest-in-charge at St. Stephen’s and the Vine. Annually, the priest-in-charge and the congregation discern if they are to continue in mutual ministry together. Approaching the completion of my second year, Trina’ and I have discerned a new calling in ministry that will take us away from the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri to the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. (Read the announcement from the Bishop of Southern Ohio.)
I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together. In two short years, we have become a Jubilee Ministry Center, partnered with Ferguson Warming Center to shelter the unhoused when it matters, baptized four new individuals into the body of Christ, blessed the marriage of a young couple, supported hundreds of individuals and families through food ministry, memorialized beloved members of our community, celebrated with scouts, expanded our partners in ministry, and raised our pledges. We have also revamped our website, moved our newsletter online, hosted a nationally recognized art showcase, held our first jazz vespers, hosted enriching community concerts, secured two grants, started revisioning some of our current ministries, and raised a crew of new leaders in our church.
The hundreds of profound and proud moments cannot fit in this letter, but I will say that I am most proud of the growth that we have spurred in each other. Thank you for growing me personally and pastorally. Thank you for accepting and loving my family. I hope that you, too, have experienced and known our acceptance and love.
We look forward to continuing in ministry until my final Sunday on June 1. Please know that as the congregation navigates this transition you will be supported by a great and compassionate Senior Warden in Susan Fazio and always with the prayers and pastoral leadership of Bishop Deon and his diocesan staff. If you have any questions regarding the transition or how things will be managed in the interim, please feel free to reach out to Susan Fazio. Feel free to also schedule time with me individually if you want to reflect on our ministry together.
Friends, as we approach Easter and look toward celebrating the great Paschal mystery represented in Christ’s life, death and resurrection, I remind you all of the meaning that is at the center of our faith: We are united through Christ always and nothing can sever us from God’s love. It reaches us wherever we find ourselves if we are near the cross. Thank you all for sharing with us in the nearness of God. We are happy to be connected to St. Stephen’s and the Vine, through Christ, always.
May God’s blessings be with you all,
Father Aaron
