From Rev. Erin:
Dear St. Paul’s,
Grace and peace. For those of you who were not at worship this morning, I wanted to share a piece of personal news that I shared from the pulpit this morning (you can also watch my sermon here if you’d like.)
It had been my hope to stay on at St. Paul’s after the end of my curacy contract, and I had been working toward that vision with Christopher and the vestry. However, as some of you know, I’ve been dealing with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, a serious, post-infection chronic condition, for some time. Recently, it’s become clear that continuing to work as a priest could incur serious permanent damage to my health. So, in consultation with my doctors, family, and Christopher, I’ve decided to start an indefinite medical leave of absence around the beginning of Lent. This leave of absence may be for a few months or years, or it may be permanent.
As you can imagine, this is a hard decision, and one I’ve prayed about deeply. Josh and I have been deeply touched by the generosity, faithfulness, and warmth of St. Paul’s. This is more than just a job; it’s our church home. It’s my deep hope that, if God offers me the healing we are hoping for, I will be able to come back and work here again.
I imagine many of you might have questions. Please feel free to ask me about anything that concerns you. At the annual meeting next Sunday, I will give a lengthier presentation about how my job responsibilities will be handed off. I particularly want to thank Christopher for his generosity and mentorship, both throughout my time at St. Paul’s and in particular in regards to my health.
I’m deeply grieved to be leaving all of you. But I take heart in the words of St. Paul–“for we do not grieve as those who have no hope,” but take heart in our faith in Christ.
Many blessings,
my siblings in Christ,
Erin+