Holy Cross Episcopal Church

You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,

Know when to walk away, know when to run.
You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table,
There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.”

Wise words for a poker player and wise words for life. The main theme of the song is discernment. Having said all this, I have decided to fold’em, as the song says, to discontinue being the third Sunday priest at Holy Cross at the end of the third Sunday in January 17^th 2016.

I have been with Holy Cross for 11 years. Eleven good years from the first service at the yacht club at Carolina Beach, to the music room at Ashely High School, the cafeteria at Ashley with the laughing veggies on the wall of the middle school to our present building. I have seen Holy Cross grow and mature. I am proud to be a part to the history of the parish, but as the song says, I know it is time for me to fold’em.

This decision is not about Holy Cross, but about me.  It has been forty-three years since I was ordained a deacon in 1972 and that is a long time. I do not want to have a commitment to a parish full time. I know that the congregation does not expect me to be at church every Sunday, but I put the expectation on myself because I was on the clergy staff.  I want to free up some weekends to visit our daughter and grandson in Chapel Hill and to visit other churches in the area.

I have great faith and confidence in Holy Cross. We are an alternative to a “traditional Episcopal Church”. I believe that is because we hold firm to the mission of the parish to spread the good news of Jesus in some new and innovative ways. If you stay true to that core value that you will thrive and grow. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and love,

Ed