Each year in the late spring and early summer hundreds and thousands of persons embark on a new phase of life. Classes come to an end, graduations occur, and in short order most of these men and women head off to new jobs, new schools and new neighborhoods. And wherever they may roam, these pilgrims take with them not only their own hopes and dreams, but quite often, the love and good wishes and life lessons learned from family and friends.

This image of pilgrimage seems most fitting for me. As my time at St. George’s comes to an official end, I take with me many great memories, the support of family and friends, and the wisdom of lessons learned. St. George’s has been a special place for me. I remember going to church here for the first time in 2003 with my girlfriend Kiah – and then there was our wedding in the summer of 2004 which many of you attended.

Then there was our incredibly warm welcome in November, 2007 where we arrived here to assume our duties as assistants to the rector. There was great food, smiling faces, and probably the warmest reception I have ever received by a congregation. But of all of these memories, I have most appreciated the experience of baptizing my son this past Epiphany. Many of you were present as our youngest son, Phillip, was brought into the people of God by water and the Spirit.

Yes, there have been so many great memories. As I depart for my new assignment be assured that my thoughts and prayers remain with you. I expect great things of St. George’s – there are such incredible people here with tremendous gifts for sharing. My prayer is that you will take good care of each other, that you will commit yourselves to the disciplines of prayer and of a holy life, and that you will always seek to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those you meet. And be assured that wherever I may roam, St. George’s will always be an important part of my life and the life of the Webster family. Father Phil Webster+