Celebrating the Rev. Margery Kennelly
A Special Event Celebrating the Rev. Margery Kennelly
Wednesday, April 23
5:00-7:00pm in Legacy Hall
Join us as we celebrate the ministry of Rev. Margery Kennelly and her husband, Richard, before they move to be closer to family in Maryland. Margery’s last Sunday with us will be Easter Sunday, April 20. This gathering on Wednesday, April 23 will be a final time for us to be together and to express our personal gratitude for them. Margery and Richard look forward to seeing you for a casual evening of fellowship and a few surprises! Drop in or stay for the whole event as you are able. Refreshments, music provided.
Dear Friends,
As my formative Saturday night television icon, Carol Burnett, sang with deep sincerity at the conclusion of every show, “I’m so glad we’ve had this time together!” I am writing to tell you that Richard and I will be moving to Baltimore after Easter to be closer to our parents and spend more time with them in this next season of life. Easter Sunday will be my last Sunday with you.
I have so much gratitude for you. The kindness, generosity, and love of this church has touched Richard and me, and we are changed by it. We have had a wonderful time serving alongside you here. I am particularly encouraged by the can-do spirit that permeates every ministry at St. George’s. It is rooted in the abundant grace and provision of Jesus, and it is ever such a convincing witness, reflecting the Scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). May your ministry continue to grow in reach and in love.
I am much comforted by the reality that our faith in Christ is about relationship, so in the deepest way we will remain connected by our faith.
In Christ's love,
The Rev. Margery Kennelly
Associate Rector
Dear Friends,
As you are informed in her gracious letter enclosed herein, the Rev. Margery Kennelly is announcing her retirement as Associate Rector; her last day with us will be Easter Sunday, April 20. Margery’s message to you is as gracious and heartfelt as her conversations were with me late this winter concerning this important matter. I know of no one who takes more seriously the priority of prayer, family, and the wisdom of significant friends as Margery does in coming to such significant decisions.
Margery’s letter poignantly declares that love of family—and especially the love for her parents who live in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland—is the motivating factor in her retirement. While we will genuinely mourn Margery and Richard’s departure from St. George’s, we can also all affirm the intense desire to move close to those we love most dearly.
I celebrate and have great appreciation for all that Margery has meant to St. George’s these past six years. She is a priest of deep faithfulness, strong commitment, and abounding creativity. Margery is one of those people whose contributions to our shared life are obvious now but will be even more valued in her absence. I will also miss her sense of humor! So despite my gladness and complete understanding in Margery’s decision to retire, I know I will miss her presence among us.
Clergy transitions are a natural part of life in large parishes such as St. George’s. I am sensitive to the profound impact and deep relationships that Margery and Richard have developed with so many of you. For that very reason, we not only celebrate their time among us, but we also understand the importance of being intentional about sharing our goodbyes. I encourage you in the weeks ahead to express your personal gratitude for all the ways Margery and Richard have blessed you. In that same regard, I invite those who are able to consider a monetary gift to a "love offering" as a tangible expression of your thanksgiving.
Colin and I have initiated a search for a new associate rector and will proceed in consultation with our staff and vestry leadership in the weeks to come.
Once more, I know you join me in giving great gratitude for Margery’s ministry, and I also know you look forward to keeping up with the Kennellys well into the future, trusting God will provide opportunities for our lives to remain connected through the love of Christ.
The Rev. J. Malone Gilliam+
Rector
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