Important Message from Rev Joan

Dear Friends,

I have an announcement to make which affects us all. (Don’t worry because the outcome of all this should be very good.)

As many of you know, I have been struggling with my vision this past eighteen months and especially in the last six months. The diagnosis was cataracts, so I was referred to a cataract surgeon. I was able to have a cancellation appointment and saw the specialist last week. The doctor confirmed the diagnosis and told me I also have an underlying condition called Fuch’s Cornea Dystrophy.

It is urgent that I have this addressed, but first the cataracts have to be removed. This will happen at the end of September and the second one at the end of October. As soon as that heals, I will have an appointment with the Cornea specialist for treatment to save my vision.

In the meantime, since this is time-sensitive, I must isolate so I do not catch anything and have to postpone any of the surgery.

All of this means that I cannot continue in my rôle as the Priest-in-Charge of St. James and All Saints parishes. As I am sure you know, this retirement is very sad for me, and I do not take the decision to leave lightly, but there is no choice.

So, for Sunday, August 21, August 28 and September 4, our parishes will return to gathering only on-line for worship. Our Bishop and our Archdeacons are seeking solutions both short and longer term for clergy to serve both parishes, so it looks like September 4 will be my last Sunday with you. We will keep you posted, and when decisions are made about plans, our Bishop will write an official letter to each of All Saints and St. James..

I am very sorry about the abruptness of this situation. I will be writing more personal notes to you soon, but right now, that is not possible for me. Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you individually and as parishes.

Thank you for your many kindnesses to me. I am deeply indebted to you and to our Wardens and our Bishop with our Archdeacons for making this transition as smooth as possible for us all. May God bless us all. With love,

Joan.