News
A message from Ruth Desiderio, Rector’s Warden
Dear friends,
As you know, our beloved associate rector, The Rev. Dan Kline, has been called as co-rector of the Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs, California. Co-rector? Yes, Dan and his wife, The Rev. Jessie Thompson, will serve together as co-rectors, an opportunity of a lifetime for this dynamic clergy-couple.
When Dan called to share this news with me earlier this week he warned me that what he was about to say was “bittersweet”. I was surprised at my own reaction – and I think Dan was too. I was absolutely over the moon for the two of them as I hope you are as well. The bitterness lay only in knowing that we will miss Dan so very much. He has walked with us through an extraordinary period of time in the life of our parish and in the world.
St. Paul’s has played a significant role in the formation of many priests in our recent history. What an honor to have experienced Dan’s ordination to the priesthood and to have journeyed with him to this point in our ministries where our paths diverge.
A celebratory event is being planned for Dan, the details of which will be shared with you when they are finalized. Dan and Jessie have ahead of them a cross-country move, a new home to make their own, and a brand new flock to meet and to love. As is our custom at St. Paul’s, we will present Dan with a purse as a symbol of our love and appreciation for his time with us.
If you would like to contribute to the purse that will be presented to Dan, there are several mechanisms for doing so. You certainly may use our secure giving portal to contribute to Dan’s gift, but may feel more comfortable sending a check by mail or placing your gift in the offering plate on Sunday. Checks may be made payable to St. Paul’s Church with “Dan’s gift” written on the memo line.
Contribute to Dan’s gift online
Note: Please leave the default fund as “General fund-pledge” and write in the memo line, “Dan’s gift.”
Dan’s final Sunday at St. Paul’s Chestnut Hill will be August 29. As he said in his message to us, “We have been through a lot together… you are the parish where I was ordained to the priesthood. I will always have your name on my ordination certificate wherever I live for the rest of my life. But I know your name will be on my heart in the same way too.”
Your name is ever on our hearts too, Dan. As you have reminded us over these last two years, “Life is short and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us.” You have gladdened our hearts. Godspeed to you and Jessie, a power clergy-couple if ever there was one!
Ruth Desiderio
Rector’s Warden
