St. Bartholomew's wardens letter

April 13, 2016
Dear St. B’s Community,
In light of the news of Fr. Jerry’s departure from St. B’s, we as Wardens of the church felt it was
important to communicate directly with you, the members of our parish.
We are all experiencing a myriad of different thoughts and emotions. This response is only natural
after the years of incredible leadership we have had with Fr. Jerry. As your wardens, we want to
encourage you individually and collectively to see this change as a wonderful transitional season in
the life of our church, one that we as a community will pass through together – hopeful in the
future and unburdened by fear of the unknown.
We, and your vestry, feel confident in our future because everywhere we look, it is evident that the
Spirit is alive in our community. As recently as our Holy Week services and Easter Celebration,
God’s presence was clear and present in His people. It’s evident in the faces of His people and the
children that fill our classrooms and hallways. It's also evident in our increased Sunday
attendance.
We are also confident because we are a part of the Anglican Communion, which stands strong in
its mission to assist local parishes through this type of transition. From helping find an interim
priest to giving assistance through our transition to the selection of our next rector, our Bishop and
diocese’s leadership will be actively involved in the process. Through this interim process and
beyond we will continue to be wonderfully cared for and nurtured by the amazing staff that Fr.
Jerry has put in place. Fr. Travis and all other staff members will continue to organize the life of the
church so our focus is always on Jesus and the future into which he is bringing us. 

Please know that your Vestry is committed to you! We commit to listen to you and God for the
guidance needed to help direct the church through this season of change. Please know we want
to hear your concerns and we covet your prayers.


4800 Belmont Park Terrace, Nashville, Tennessee 37215 | 615.377.4750
[email protected] | www.stbs.net



We believe that God has placed each and every one of you is in this community for a reason.
Some will pray the church through this transition, some will lend your talents in support to
help in the continued growth of our community, and finally, others will help in the process of
selecting our next rector. Regardless of your role, remember that this change is not
something that is simply happening to us. This change is a part of God’s invitation to you
personally. As your wardens, we invite you to join us on the journey to where God is leading
St. Bartholomew’s.

Seth Swihart
Sr. Warden

Kristin Chapman
Jr Warden

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy
continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy
holy Name, and finally, by the mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen