The text of a letter to the vestry, staff and congregation of Christ Episcopal Church (Valdosta, GA) from Mr. Julia Cleon Josey, outgoing senior warden of Christ Episcopal Church (Charlottesville, VA):

To the Vestry, Staff and Congregation of Christ Episcopal Church,

As the outgoing senior warden of Christ Episcopal Church here in Charlottesville, VA, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to your parish on the recent selection of Dave Johnson as your new rector. It has been my joy, privilege, and honor to serve with Dave for the past seven years and experience his insightful ministry and compelling interpretation of the Gospel. As sad as all of us here in Charlottesville are about he and his family’s departure, I am so excited that his vibrant ministry will touch and impact all of your lives. In Dave, God has blessed us all and given us the gift of a true servant leader whose tenure and service at Christ Episcopal Church, Charlottesville, will be cherished and never forgotten. Wishing all of you the joy and blessings of this Easter season.

Yours in our risen Lord,
Jay Josey

A copy of Mr. Josey’s original handwritten letter is available in the Vineyard article here.