August 31, 2023
Dear Members and Friends of St. Alban’s;
After several months of discernment, prayer, and consultation with our transition consultant and the Diocese, your Vestry has voted that it is time to close the ministry of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.
This decision has been a difficult one to make as we all love our parish family, our history as a congregation, and the ministries in which we have been and are currently engaged. The rental agreement with Emmaus Christian Church has brought new energy and life to the building and the revenue has been helpful in maintaining the building. However, even with this support, we do not have the financial means to hire a new clergyperson. The few leaders that we have are tired physically, mentally, and emotionally and cannot continue to provide the support needed to maintain a church building and a congregation.
Your vestry has worked diligently to ensure that regular worship services have been made available since the resignation of Rev. Debbie Dehler in February and we are thankful for the several supply priests and musicians that have allowed us to worship together. Our continuing worship partnership with St. Philip’s Episcopal Church has provided us a chance to join and become friends with the wonderful people of that congregation.
We are working with Rev. Paul Frolick, our transition consultant, to plan and hold a congregational meeting on October 7, 2023, at 10:30 am in the parish hall to discuss what closing means for the Vestry, congregation, the Diocese, and our future worship options.
Please know that pastoral care needs are available to all who would like them to discuss this decision and the future for each of us to meet our spiritual needs. Please reach out to any one of us to make that connection.
We ask that you continue to pray for each other as we walk this journey together. As resurrection people we know that out of loss there is life. This is our belief and our hope as we each discern what this closure means to us and find our way forward.
Please reach out with any questions you have or to have a listening ear as you digest this news.
In Christ,
St. Alban’s Vestry, Clerk and Treasurer
Joan Trendell, Robin Edwards, Gayle Johnson, Cecelia Loney, Deana McGivern, Mary Boggs and Margy Moorhead
