A Thank You from Deacon Rhonda Thomas
Dear St. James family,
How time flies! It seems like only yesterday when this process began with the Discernment Committee in 2017. Then came two years of clergy training classes at Sewanee amidst Covid and a six-month placement at Church of the Servant. By the grace of God, I am now an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church, Diocese of East Carolina. Thank you so much for your prayers, support, and encouragement throughout this journey. I could literally feel your presence.
I will spend my first year as a Deacon at Church of the Servant, then Bishop Skirving and I will regroup to discuss the future. My calling also includes prison ministry, and I’m currently working with Yokefellow Prison Ministries (a listening ministry) at LINC’s transitional housing program. Hopefully the jails and prisons will open their doors so we can gather with those folks. Thankfully, our family will stay in Wilmington as I begin my ministry. Steve, Sarah, and Sean will continue to attend church with y’all. I will miss this worshipping community but will carry you in my heart.
Rev. Rhonda Thomas