October 24, 2025
Dear People of Christ Church, I am profoundly grateful to be writing to you as your next rector. I scarcely have the words to describe the sense of joy and wonder I feel about coming to serve at Christ Church, Valdosta. When I first walked through the doors of that sacred space some 47 years ago, I did not realize what I was walking into. I had no idea how that moment would shape the rest of my life, but I believe I am who I am today because of the ways in which I encountered and came to know the Risen Lord there. Christ Church was my first true spiritual home, and I am so thankful to be coming back to the place that formed me.
Christ Church is a remarkably fertile part of God’s vineyard. You have raised up more folks – both lay and ordained – for ministry than I can count. If the apostle Paul were to write a letter to you, I suspect it would start with something like “I continue to give thanks to God for you always, for your faithfulness in prayer and good works, for your proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for your love for one another and for all the saints, as you work to build up the Body of Christ.” Maybe I shouldn’t try to put words in Paul’s mouth and should just say that this is how I think of you. Thank you for inviting me to share in this ministry with you. I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me, and I am eager to be with you as we start this part of our journey together.
You have been in my prayers throughout this time of transition and will remain in them from now on. I ask your prayers for me and for my family as we finish our ministry here in Savannah and make our way to you there. I hold firmly to the idea of vocation – that God calls people together in a particular place and at a specific time to accomplish the work that God sets before them. All three of those components – people, place, and time – matter. I believe now is the moment that God is calling us to labor together at Christ Church (if I can go back to Paul again) to do the work of ministry, to equip the saints, and to build up the body. I am excited to see the fruits of our labor. I look forward to being with you and to worshipping and praying with you. May Almighty God continue to bless us with His Grace and to guide our feet along the path He has set before us.
The Peace of Christ,
Kevin+