Dear Father Dick,
On this day of Pentecost, we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. And with the power of the Holy Spirit, believers receive gifts of the Spirit. And some, like you, have been given the gifts of teaching and preaching—and encouragement. You have used these gifts in your ordained ministry, and our parish has been the beneficiary. We crafted our “Bread Banner” to be a fitting tribute not only for your years of ordained ministry but also in thanksgiving for the loving service you have provided our parish.
At a time when we did not have a full time priest, you shared your Spirit-filled gifts of teaching and preaching at many of our Sunday services. At the conclusion of the service, you used your gift of encouragement as you counseled us on parish endeavors. In addition to help on Sunday mornings, you shared your time with homebound and hospitalized parishioners and brought them the Sacrament. You were readily available to help the Senior Warden and the Vestry about worship service questions, or how to obtain information from the Diocese. Other times, you would use your gift of humor to lighten our load, ease our worries, and warm the atmosphere. With your help, we were able to look forward. You shared your gifts with so many of us.
When you were ordained the Bishop charged, In all you do, you are to nourish Christ’s people from the riches of his grace, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come. You have nourished us and strengthened us, and you have used your gifts of the Spirit to help us glorify God.
We cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for us. We are truly blessed by you.
The Parish of All Saints Episcopal Church in Brighton Heights