Letter of Resignation

To the Wardens and Congregations of the Parish of Neil’s Harbour with Ingonish
From the Reverend M. Elliott Siteman, Rector
Regarding Canon 25
14 September 2008, Holy Cross Day

Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,

After a great deal of prayer, conversation, discernment and some prodding by our Bishop I have submitted, and the Bishop has accepted my resignation as rector of this parish.

This resignation will take effect on the 29th of November 2008 so that I may accept the Bishop’s appointment as Rector of the Parish of St. George’s, New Glasgow on the First Sunday in Advent, the 30th of November 2008.

I know this may seem too soon; indeed I had not anticipated a move for a few more years yet but what we must keep before us is that God’s plans and our plans do not always match.

I want you all to know that this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life – next to getting married and becoming a parent. God called me to this place to be amongst you for a time. Now God calls me onward. I have done faithful service here and in order to continue to be faithful I must follow God’s call in my life. I perceive God’s call in my own prayer and contemplation, in the voices of other people, and in the voice of my Bishop. That call is what drew me to this place and that call is what is drawing me to New Glasgow.

We will have a few weeks to say our good byes and I will be putting in place some things to ensure that ministry will continue in this place. The Lay Readers and I will be doing some education together around scheduling, services & home communions. Also Kelvin & Wayne will continue in their Education For Ministry Program, which will only be beneficial to this parish.

Finally, you will not be abandoned. Bishop Sue will be appointing a Priest-in-Charge and, along with the Archdeacon, you will form a Parochial Committee to seek out a new Rector to come amongst you for a time. I pray that in due time you will be sent another faithful servant, one who will walk with you as you continue your journey in faith.

As this announcement is being made on the festival of the Holy Cross it is important to note that it is the cross of Jesus that leads us into the future and as long as we keep that cross in sight we will be walking the path of discipleship.

God bless you all.

Yours truly,
The Reverend M. Elliott Siteman
Rector