Message from the Rev. Amber Stancliffe Evans

[Cliff West]

Note to parents of teens: Please don't mention the news in this announcement to the youth on the mission trip until Amber has had an opportunity to tell them herself. Thank you.

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July 3, 2008

 

 

Dear members of Epiphany,

 

I am writing to share with you some important news.  After much prayer and discernment, I have accepted a new position as the Chaplain of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School in San Mateo.  My final Sunday at Epiphany will be August 10^th. 

 

I know this is sudden news and it has all happened very fast. I met the Head of School at the funeral of Christina Sims in April.  That funeral was a wonderful witness of God’s love by the Epiphany community.  In early June and very unexpectedly, the Head of School asked me to visit St. Matthews and to be open to the Holy Spirit.  I was not looking for a new position, but agreed to visit the school simply to be open to discernment.  It became clear the Holy Spirit is indeed calling me to a new ministry there.  At St. Matthew’s, I look forward to working with children, youth, and families while I lead daily worship and attend to the academic, spiritual, and emotional aspects of their development. 

 

These three years at Epiphany, and especially the last few months, have been a time of great joy for me.  You all have supported and encouraged me, and allowed me to grow in my priesthood.  You have relied on me as your pastor in the absence of a rector and it has been a great honor.  For all these reasons, it was very difficult to accept that God is calling me to a new ministry and not to stay here with this beloved congregation, and my wonderful colleagues. 

 

But I know that Epiphany, and my program areas with Children and Youth will remain strong thanks to the many wonderful volunteer ministers supporting them.  At our last meeting, the Senior Seekers were reflecting on the youth program and had many ideas for next year.  During that conversation, the Seekers recognized it’s up to them to make the youth program into their vision.  And when I heard this, it affirmed for me what I already believed: Epiphany is a church of deep ministry and leadership.  God is working great things here and your clergy are merely facilitators of God’s work through you.    

 

Youth ministry and Church School will continue to be fun and nurturing for the young people of Epiphany.  You will be in excellent hands with our interim rector Julie Wakelee Lynch, with our deacon Hailey McKeefry Delmas, and the rest of our gifted staff.  They share with me the confidence that all will be well at Epiphany.   And while I rest in that confidence, it will not be easy to say goodbye.  No doubt, you will see me cry frequently in the next several weeks.     

 

An important part of this decision is its impact on my family life.  With late nights, lock-ins and mission trips, the life of a youth minister does not easily accommodate starting a family.  My husband Colin and I hope to do so soon and we will now attend church together on Sundays near our home in San Francisco.   With all the sadness that comes with this decision, there is also great joy over these new things.   And so I hope you will celebrate with me even as we say goodbye. 

 

Faithfully,

The Rev. Amber Stancliffe Evans

Associate Priest for Youth and Children’s Ministries