Fr. John Wengrovius officially resigned from his position as Associate for Parish Development at Christ Church on December 31, 2025. Below is his resignation letter to Fr. Terry, dated November 19, 2025.
Dear Terry:
As you and I have discussed, I wish to transition from my current part-time, stipendiary position on Christ Church’s Staff to simply being a retired priest in the Parish. I, therefore, offer my resignation from my Staff position effective midnight, December 31, 2025.
At the end of this year, I will have completed my third year on Christ Church’s paid Staff. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve on your Staff and to minister as a Priest in the Christ Church community. Both Ruth and I are so very grateful to you, the Vestry, the Parish, and to Bp. Kym for giving her permission for me to function as a compensated, pensioned priest at Christ Church for these past years.
During our time at Christ Church, Ruth and I have been warmly welcomed and supported by the Parish community and have been spiritually and relationally nourished. We experience God’s joy at Christ Church and desire to continue to participate in its life and the missional and spiritual challenge we find there. I particularly look forward to worshipping in the pews with Ruth and our two youngest grandsons and their parents.
To facilitate this transition in my retirement journey, I will be taking a three-month sabbatical from all priestly activities beginning January 1st. My plans include a five-day retreat in early February and continued conversations with vocational counselors and close Christian friends to hear more deeply God’s call at this time in my life. During this three-month period, Ruth desires to attend the worship services of her choice and to participate in the Women’s Ministry and the other ministries she is involved in at Christ Church. To make a distinctive break from my previous role with Christ Church parishioners, I plan to refrain from worshipping Sunday mornings at Christ Church and to attend one of the Parish’s evening services or worship occasionally at other congregations. Ruth, of course, will be my main partner in discerning any future non-stipendiary involvement at Christ Church, subject to your advice and consent.
Once again, I thank you, Terry, Bp. Kym, Christ Church’s Staff and Vestry, and the congregation for your support and trust during these past three years.
With gratitude,
The Rev. John Wengrovius