From The Rector…

May 19, 2026

Dear Parish,

After much discernment, conversation, and prayer, I have decided to retire from my role as your rector. My final Sunday with you will be June 30th.

This has not been an easy decision for me. The life we have shared together at Holy Nativity over these years has been one of the great blessings of my life and ministry.

We have been through so much as a parish. We weathered hurricanes and the uncertainty of a global pandemic. We asked hard questions about who God was calling us to be, and together we listened. And when we listened, we responded.

Together, we stepped forward in faith and generosity, embracing a vision for the future that enabled this parish to grow and serve our community in ways we could never have imagined when we first began.

There is a passage in Ecclesiastes that speaks of a time for everything under heaven — a time to plant, and a time to gather what has been planted. Over these years, we have planted so much together. We nurtured something meaningful and lasting here, something that will continue to grow long after this season comes to an end.

A big part of our spiritual journey is recognizing the seasons of our lives, learning when God may be leading us into something new.

Over these past months, Laura and I have been prayerfully discerning what this next season of life is asking of us. As the needs of our family have begun to shift, we have come to recognize a call to be more fully present to those entrusted to our care, and to offer the kind of love and support they will need.

And so, with both sadness and trust, we are choosing to follow that call.

I know this news may be difficult to receive, and I understand that. But I also hope, in time, you will hold this moment not only with sadness, but also with a deeper trust in the God who has guided us every step of the way.

Because the same God who has walked with Holy Nativity through all we have shared together is not finished with this parish yet. And I truly believe there is still so much life ahead for this parish that I love so deeply.

Please know that I remain open to any conversations or questions that may come in the days ahead. And I ask for your prayers, patience, and grace for Laura and me as we begin navigating this transition ourselves.

In Christ,

Fr. Tommy