Announcement

Charlie & Lesley Hand

 

Dear Friends,

Over the past couple of years, many have asked when Charlie plans to retire from Syncrude. As we have spent time praying and discerning, it has become clear that, for us, retirement means leaving Fort McMurray, our home for the past 32 years. We have known that we are entering a new chapter of our lives and ministry. And so, much of our discernment has been to ask God, “what next?” A wise person once said to me, “God does not call us out of things, but into things”. Yet we know that taking up a new venture inevitably means leaving behind the old. And so Charlie will retire from Syncrude in September, and I have submitted my resignation to On Eagle’s Wings. I am very excited to have accepted an appointment to be the Rector of St Helen’s Anglican Church in Fairview, Alberta as of October 1st. As exciting as this new life and ministry is, it will be difficult to leave Fort McMurray, and especially St Thomas. You have been our family since the idea of planting a church in Thickwood began to take shape over 25 years ago. We have been deeply blessed and strengthened by your prayers and love for us and our family. We have walked with each other through many adventures, for learning to trust and be obedient to God is an adventure – as Winnie the Pooh, my favourite bear, would put it, “it is a grand adventure.” I know there will be many more grand adventures as you continue your search for a new Rector and as you grow in faith. You are an incredibly gifted body with much to offer this city and the wider church; and you have always freely shared those gifts with us. For that we thank you.

The close relationship we share with All Saints and Christ the King has always been a source of joy and delight. They have become an important part of our church family and even more so, of mine and Charlie’s personal lives – which makes it all the more difficult to say ‘goodbye’. The depth of this congregation’s relationship with them is quite unique in the wider church – a cause for celebration and thanksgiving. I pray that you will continue to nurture those relationships in the upcoming months and walk with each other.

Thank you for all that you have been to us for many years. There are many details still to be worked out; but we are confident of God’s call and so know that this move, our ministry in Fairview, and indeed our lives are held securely in God’s hands. We look forward with great enthusiasm for all that He has in store for us in Fairview. May God continue to richly bless you.

In Christ, Lesley & Charlie