It was just about one year ago when I was sitting in my office with Alan Gates, discussing whether he wanted to become the rector of Trinity Church in Tiverton. Half the time our conversations about this matter took the form of a spiritual direction session. I tried my hardest to stay neutral in my reflections with Alan, while confessing that I’d miss his partnership in ministry enormously. I think the last words I shared with him before he made his decision were, “It will be a walk of faith, whatever you decide to do.” I meant those words for me, as well. Just about one year alone as priest at St. Paul’s has been a walk of faith for me. I have to say that it has been a bit draining.

As I mentioned to you a couple of newsletter issues ago, I had occasion to attend a clergy retreat during Lent, and the speaker was an assistant rector at St. Columba’s Church in Washington, DC. Introducing himself, he said, “There’s a 500 to 1 ratio between parishioners and clergy at the parish I serve.” The other clergy from around Rhode Island groaned in disbelief at how large a ratio that was. I thought, “Oh for that small number!” The ratio for me at St. Paul’s has been two to three times that number – 1,853 parishioners are listed on our parish rolls – certainly well over 1,000 to 1. I’ve tried to cover the bases, and most people have been very understanding, but I feel that I’ve been remiss in such matters as visiting the homebound and those in convalescent homes. I can’t thank the other members of the staff and lay leaders enough for all their support.

I’ll be coming up on my fourth anniversary soon. That’s hard to believe, but it’s true. And so, since diocesan policy allows clergy to take a three-month sabbatical upon their fourth year, I mentioned it to the Vestry. They said it would be better to take the time in the summer, when things are slower, and allowed that I split the sabbatical between this summer and next. So I’ll be taking an extra month this summer to add to vacation time away – from about mid-June to mid-August. Local clergy will be helping out during that time. I am truly grateful to Dick Reid, Libby Nestor, John Hall and Marsue Harris for their willingness to help.

After my return, a new part-time Assistant to the Rector will join us. Hurray! His name is The Rev. Fred Nestrock. He’s been serving Christ Church in Westerly as Interim Rector for the past year and a half. He graduated from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, and was ordained in 1972. Fred has had a rather unusual career. After serving in ordained ministry for some time, he then went to dental school, and worked as a dentist for the better part of 25 years. After retiring from dentistry, Fred returned to full-time ordained ministry for the past 15 years or so. Interestingly, Fred did the very same degree in England that I did – Post-graduate Diploma in Pastoral Studies – while his is from Birmingham and mine from Nottingham. But we mustn’t let old school rivalries beset us. Fred is experienced, good-humored, seasoned, energetic and totally enthused about joining us. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know him as much as I am.

Since Fred will be retiring from full-time ministry on June 30, he will join the staff on a part-time basis – 20 hours or so each week. He and his wife, Katherine, and their adult daughter, Sarah, will move into the Rectory during the summer, and he will begin his duties at the end of the summer. Fred’s responsibilities will include assistance with services, preaching, pastoral care and visiting, and pastoral offices like weddings and funerals. I look ever so forward to his partnership in ordained ministry at St. Paul’s!

Affectionately in Christ,

Phil +