Some professional news

Friends, sharing a quick post today to pass along some professional news and to request your guidance about ways forward for this newsletter—one of the most exciting aspects of the transition!

First, the announcement: As some of you may have already seen on social media, June 30 will be my last day on staff at CDSP.

I’ve been overseeing communications and teaching Christian formation leadership for MDiv students for the past five years, three on staff and two as a contractor. Seminary teaching and administration are near to the heart of my vocation, and I’m grateful for the many relationships I’ve formed with students and colleagues in this wonderful community. It’s been an honor to help form leaders for ministry at a very interesting time and place.

It’s not fun to be laid off, but I’m excited to return to more free-ranging collaboration around the Episcopal Church and beyond, assuming that is what the Spirit has in store. If you know of project work or part-time roles you think might be a good fit for me from here in far north Chicagoland—or if you’d like to talk about cooking something up together—I would LOVE to hear from you! (See below.)

Please note: I deeply appreciate your prayers and good wishes in the comments. They are not a place for snark or lamentation. Thank you!

Next, the networking invitation: This transition gave me the occasion to finally update my personal website, which was long overdue. Turns out the Wordpress Twenty Twenty-Four Theme is especially gorgeous and adaptable, or at least I thought so. And since the open Web is becoming a ghost town anyway, who cares if the site looks a lot like thousands of other ones, right?!

Anyway, as a reader of this newsletter, you probably already know what I'm up to and in to. But I've hung my shingle there as succinctly as possible, so I hope you'll take a look if you're interested–and share it with colleagues if relevant.

Finally, the newsletter requests:

(1) I love writing newsletters and this one in particular, and I'm thrilled that this new season will give me the time and the business imperative to write more and better issues for you.

Needless to say, this is a time when I would especially appreciate upgrades from free to paid subscriptions if you can afford to do so. If you subscribe in the next 30 days, I'll throw in a coupon good for a free digital download of all Liturgy Illuminated products. Ditto if you refer a friend who subscribes, even at the free tier—just tell them to tell me you sent them.

And because it bears repeating, let me say that I am so touched by how many paid subscribers hung with me during our family's very difficult winter and spring. Thank you!

(2) More issues means a return to more systematic content planning. I'd be grateful if you could take just a minute to share some feedback about possible directions:

(If the form isn't loading for you, just click here.)

Again, thank you for your prayers, good wishes, and spontaneous outreach during this time. The best part of being laid off is having an excuse to catch up with friends and colleagues!