I am writing to share that after nearly 14 years of passionate, prophetic and faithful service in the All Saints community, the Rev. Zelda Miller Kennedy has decided to retire at the end of June, 2017.

For so many of us, Zelda has been the embodiment of a pastor – not only in how she has shown God’s love to us but in how she has empowered us to show God’s love to one another. She has developed our Pastoral Care Healing and Health program to a national model for how a community cares for one another as the Body of Christ. She has wept with us, danced with us, prayed with and held our hands and challenged us through times of celebration and struggle.

When I took this job, I knew this day would come sooner or later … I was just hoping it would be a little later! But if there is anyone who ever deserved retirement after work incredibly well done, it is Zelda, so while I am feeling a deep sense of loss personally and for our community, I am also full of joy for the gift of time and opportunity that is before her.

As with the departure of James Walker, the Transition Life Committee will lead us through a process of saying farewell to Zelda over the coming months. During that time, I will also be gathering a search committee to interview candidates both for an Associate for Pastoral Care and the other clergy position (currently vacant) that was approved for the 2017 budget. More details about those searches will be forthcoming in the coming weeks.

As much as I am grieving Zelda and James’ departure, I am buoyed by the conviction that the same God who brought them to us is still on the job … and God will continue to provide amazing, gifted and passionate leaders for this community.

For now, I hope you will join me in giving thanks for the incredible gift Zelda has been (and still will be for a little while longer) in our community. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, we sing. And Zelda is certainly a blessing among blessings.

Con el amor de Cristo,

Mike Kinman, Rector
All Saints Church, Pasadena