The rev. sarah brock takes new call

Take my life, that I may be consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days; let them ow in ceaseless praise.
– Frances R. Havergal

Beloved people of St. Mark’s,

A particular favorite of mine, this hymn reects much of how I’ve
experienced the Holy Spirit calling me over the course of my life – to
ministry as a lay member of the Church, to seminary, to ordination to the
priesthood, and to serve as Vicar here at St. Mark’s. Once again, the Spirit
is moving in my life and calling me on to share my gis in a new community.
So, it is with excitement, sadness, and deep gratitude that I share with
you that my ministry at St. Mark’s is coming to an end.

Earlier this year, I received an unexpected invitation to submit my name for
a position as the Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bedford,
Massachusetts. As I learned about this community and got to know the
leadership, I became increasingly aware that the Holy Spirit is calling me to
ministry with them and I accepted the position. This call came much sooner
than I ever anticipated, but the Spirit is oen wily and unpredictable. I’ll
be at the Cathedral this Sunday and my last Sunday here at St. Mark’s will
be June 28th. I’ll begin as the Rector of St. Paul’s this Fall.

Ministry with you here in Erie is full of joy. I’m immensely grateful for the
many ways we have grown together over the past several years. You are a
church that is innovative and willing to try new things. From nding new
ways to meet the needs of people on the margins in Erie to growing in your
partnership with the Cathedral, you show up with open hearts. The
generosity and readiness to serve that I’ve found here is evidence of your
deep faith.

I will carry what I’ve learned from you, in particular your gis for
welcoming newcomers and oering unbounded hospitality, as I enter into
my ministry with the people of St. Paul’s. You’ve set a whole new standard
for coee hour – in terms of both food and fellowship – and the bar is high!
I have no doubt that you will continue to thrive and grow through this next
season in your life together.

Every transition carries with it both joy and sadness. The excitement of
what lies ahead and the loss of the people and places that we must leave.
It is certainly the case for me as I both look forward to sharing my gis in
a new community and as I say goodbye to you with whom I’ve shared in
ministry these past few years. I’ve been blessed to serve alongside you.
Thank you for welcoming me and sharing in ministry with me!

I hope that you will reach out to me directly if you have questions
about my leave-taking. As I depart, I oer this blessing:

May you be lled with
the spark of the Holy Spirit.
Let love guide your actions.
Listen for the Spirit of Truth.
Spread the peace of Christ and
remind everyone you meet that each
one is a beloved child of God.
AMEN!

Blessings,
Pastor Sarah