Dear Friends,

This coming Sunday, January 12, will be my last one as your Interim Rector.

When I was a kid, the Mickey Mouse Club was one of the few programs we were able to get through our rooftop antenna. The original run featured a regular but ever-changing cast of mostly teen performers. ABC broadcast reruns weekday afternoons during the 1958–1959 season, airing right after Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. Each Mickey Mouse Club show ended the same way, with the song that began, “Now it’s time to say good-bye to all our company . . .”

Siblings in Christ, now it’s time for me to say goodbye to all of you after fifteen plus months at Trinity Toledo. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Trinity during this time of transition! It has been a privilege and a joy. I will cherish this season of ministry and rejoice always in the people with whom I’ve had the privilege of working.

I am grateful to have been part of a team whose combined efforts have helped strengthen the parish in preparation for your next rector – Bishop Anne Jolly, Canon Jessie Dodson and the Diocese of Ohio; your Wardens, Donna Steppe and Jeffrey Albright, and those who now serve and have served on the Vestry; the people who lead the various ministries of the parish; those who make Trinity’s extraordinary worship possible – especially the Choir and the Altar Guild; and, of course, the staff whose gifts and dedication will continue to support and bless you as you await the arrival of your next rector. Until then, Father Robert and Deacon Meribah will provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care.

Above all, I am grateful for the Holy Spirit whose gracious presence has sustained us through this time of transition. I’ve ben reminded again and again that God’s power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:21, 22)

I look forward to watching from a distance as Trinity Toledo goes “from strength to strength,” and I will keep you in my prayers. As is always the case when I leave an interim assignment, I will miss the relationships formed and the friendships made most of all.

After leading five congregations in a row through their transitions, I’m moving on to a sixth – St. Paul’s, Cleveland Heights. Because I’ll still be serving in the Diocese of Ohio, I’m sure I’ll see some of you at the Winter Convocation at the end of the month and at other diocesan gatherings.

Please continue to show up, to say your prayers, and to support your next rector. The people of Downtown Toledo need a progressive, inclusive, creative Episcopal Church – one that welcomes everyone – no exceptions! Trinity is that very special place. But then, you knew that already . . . .

Blessings,
Stephen Applegate