A message from Father Martin

Dear members of St. Andrew’s,
           After much prayer and discussion with Eve, my family and colleagues, I have decided to retire as Rector of St. Andrew’s and from full-time parish ministry.
           I am so thankful to God and to you, dear friends, for our ministries together these past 14 years. God has moved through us to grow in knowing Christ and to introduce others to God’s love through Jesus. I am very confident that St. Andrew’s will move successfully into the next chapter of its on-going mission.
           My ministry as priest, preacher and pastor is not over, but it is time for me to enter a new chapter in ministry.  St. Andrew’s is a healthy, welcoming congregation with good leadership through your Wardens, Vestry and many others. Finances are stable, and there are good ministries now and ready to restart as the pandemic allows. I know that you will move faithfully and creatively into the coming chapter of St. Andrew’s life and mission.
           I will retire from St. Andrew’s at the end of October. Your first Sunday in this new chapter will be All Saints’ Sunday, which seems very appropriate, and soon you will enter the seasons of Advent and Christmas, watching for and celebrating what new things God will stir and birth through St. Andrew’s.
           Change can be hard, and I feel both deep gratitude for our ministries together and much sadness as this chapter closes. You have blessed me and our family greatly. You are each such wonderful members of the Body of Christ and beloved children of our loving God.
           Let us share the next two and a half months as followers of Jesus, celebrating what God has done and is doing among us, even that which we do not yet fully understand.
           Yours in Christ,
                       Martin+
Saint Andrews Tacoma