Christ Church Episcopal · Norcross

CHRIST CHURCH TRANSITION: WHAT'S AHEAD

Dear Christ Church Family,

As we continue walking together through this season of transition, we are committed to keeping you informed and connected every step of the way. In that spirit, we want to share what we know today and what you can expect in the weeks ahead.

Sunday, August 23 — Bilingual Farewell Service for our departing Rector at 11:00am

Sally Ulrey, Canon for Congregational Vitality and Ministry Development for the Diocese of Atlanta, will join us for a special Liturgy of Leave-Taking as we give thanks for the shared ministry of our departing Rector and Christ Church and send the family forward with our prayers and blessings as they begin their next chapter.

A lunch reception will follow in Webster Hall, and we hope you will join us.

Sunday, August 30 — Regular Worship Schedule with The Rev. Mimi Guerra

We are blessed to welcome back The Rev. Mimi Guerra, our former Associate Rector. Many of you know and love Mimi, and we are grateful that she will be with us to lead worship at all three services on our first Sunday following the Rector’s departure.

Interim Clergy Coverage Begins in September

We are also pleased to welcome back The Rev. Rich Winters, who previously served Christ Church and will return to provide interim clergy leadership, worship support, and pastoral coverage alongside Deacon Dan as we navigate the next phase of our transition. We are finalizing the contract with the priest who will lead the Spanish service and will announce this appointment shortly.

We will share additional details about September worship and pastoral coverage as plans are finalized.

Sunday, September 13 — Special Vestry Meeting with the Diocese

Your Vestry will meet with representatives from the Diocese of Atlanta for an important conversation about our clergy search options, transition process, and next steps.

Based on our early conversations with the Diocese, it appears that our path forward may not require the traditional two-year search process. However, there are still important questions to explore, and we expect to have greater clarity following this meeting.

Sunday, September 20 — Congregational Meeting at 9:30am

Please mark your calendars now.

We will gather in Webster Hall to share what we have learned from the Diocese, discuss next steps in the transition, and provide an update on the financial position of Christ Church.

This will be an important opportunity for us to come together, hear the same information, ask questions, and look ahead as one church family. We hope as many of you as possible will attend.

Keeping You Informed

We recognize that uncertainty can bring questions and, at times, anxiety. We do not have every answer yet, and we will not pretend that we do. What we can promise is that your Wardens, Vestry, Finance Committee, and other church leaders are working together thoughtfully, prayerfully, and diligently to help keep Christ Church steady during this transition.

We will continue to communicate regularly so that you know what is happening, what decisions have been made, and what comes next.

In a recent sermon, we were reminded that when we find ourselves in the midst of a storm, we keep our eyes on Christ. In doing so, we find the strength to do what we may never have imagined we could do on our own. And when we falter, God’s hand is there to hold us up.

As we encounter the inevitable uncertainty that comes with change, please take comfort in knowing that the people entrusted with the leadership of Christ Church deeply love this church and this church family.

We are united in our commitment to live, love, and serve boldly together in the name of Christ and to faithfully guide Christ Church through these waters toward the future God is preparing for us.

You are not walking through this transition alone. You are valued, you are seen, and you are loved.

With faith and gratitude,

Afiong Ekong, Senior Warden

Kathy Smith, Junior Warden

on behalf of the Vestry