Before I introduce myself, I would like to let you know that you have been very much in my thoughts and prayers these past weeks. The Trinity family has been through a great deal over the past few years, and with the announcement of your rector's retirement, and Denise's subsequent departure from active ministry to your parish, you have begun a new and challenging chapter in the experience of being Christ to each other. Dorian's death has perhaps heightened that sense that there is a great deal of loss to mark and no small amount of grieving to work through as Trinity begins to wonder what comes next, and what God has in store for you as a Church.

 

When I was contacted by the Rev. Canon Elizabeth Geitz about the opportunity to serve as your interim rector, I was already aware of the energy and family spirit that your parish has expressed in the Diocese for many years. Meeting with your vestry in late January, I was moved by the passion for God and each other that your leadership embodies. I count myself blessed to be able to walk with you for a short time as you remember who your are, where you have come from, and begin to embrace who God is calling you to be in the near future as you prepare to call a new rector.

 

As a trained interim, I have already served St. Andrew's New Providence, and can speak from experience to you all that the Diocese of New Jersey possesses one of the best transition ministry processes I have ever seen. Bishop Councell, Canons Powers and Geitz and the Diocesan staff care for, and serve with devotion the parishes of the Diocese and I look forward to opening the doors of those resources to Trinity.

 

My wife, Laura, and I come to you from the Diocese of Pennsylvania with three cats (Charlie Chaplin, Oona and Oscar Wilde) and a dog (Sophie). I have recently served as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church and Day School in Solebury (Bucks County). Ordained in 1994, I have served several parishes in Ohio, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As I begin my tenure with you, I will be working part-time through April, with full-time commitments beginning in May. That is not to say that we will be idle. There is a great deal of good work to be done. We will journey together through Lent and Holy Week, and I look foward to working with Deacon Terry, your vestry, church staff and all of you as we get to know each other, worship and serve together.

 

Over the next couple of months, I hope to be able to spend time with as many of you as I can. Please feel free to call and ask for some time with me. Rosalie and Sonia will have my schedule after Ash Wednesday, with the days I will be in Matawan, and will be able to place appointments on my calendar. I will also be making the effort to be in touch with you as I am able. The interim process is a time of great change for any parish, but my prayer is that it will also be one of rest and refreshment for us as well. Even as we celebrate and mark the past, we will be dreaming about the future that God has prepared for us. 

 

We will see each other this coming Sunday. Please make every effort to attend both Sunday's and Ash Wednesday's liturgies. I look forward to meeting and praying with you all!

 

God's peace,

The Rev. Marshall Shelly