As I sit in my office on this early autumn day, I look at the continued beauty of creation around us here in East Hampton.  The dogwood by the patio is starting to sprout its fruit; the butterfly bush has some amazing guests feeding there. A beautiful time in deed. I will truly miss this time of the year next year.

I am beginning to get my exit interview material together for when I retire. Prayerfully reflecting on our time together these past thirteen year.  As I reflect on these years, I believe it is a good thing for you also to begin reflecting in prayer on how you hear the Holy Spirit calling St. Luke’s forward into a new future. What are your dreams for St. Luke’s as you move forward. Dreams deal with the future not the past. So what am I reflecting on?

I am reflecting on the “Big Five”. 

What do I see are the five big strengths of St. Luke’s? 

What do I see are the five issues facing the parish for the future?

What has our experience been during the Covid-19 pandemic? Growth? Change?

What is the biggest challenge facing our congregation as we move forward?

I would highly recommend that you begin prayerfully reflecting on these same questions. They will come in handy when the time comes for the transition to officially begin. 

Share your reflections with the Vestry; they will need to know your thoughts on these questions.

Once again, I want you to know how often I thank the Lord for this place, the ministry we share and the blessing you are to me. 

Wishing you a beautiful autumn and the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, to enfold you and your family now and always.

Fr. Denis+