Eight years ago, I was honored to welcome Beth Knowlton to the Cathedral Parish of St. Philip, and what a strong and sturdy journey she has helped us walk together! It was my honor to welcome her among us; and now the honor has come for me, and we together, to send her forth to another calling.
This Sunday, July 6, we will say good-bye to Beth and send her forth to be rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, San Antonio, Texas. It will be sad to see her go, and it has been sad to say our good-byes during the past several weeks. But I am also proud, quite proud, of Beth; and I am thrilled for her to be called to such an outstanding parish as St. Mark’s. She will provide excellent leadership in that community, and they are excited to be welcoming her.
Beth Knowlton has been among us as a minister and a loyal disciple. She has served us with both a keen mind and a great spirit. In fact, she has served the city itself with those assets, and she has served the Diocese of Atlanta. It has been a delight to see her truly enjoying people and ministering with them.
Beth is one of those priests who truly cares. She cares about people, she cares about ideas, and she cares about the gospel. I will miss her! I have travelled with her. I have eaten many meals with her. I have prayed with her. I have cried and laughed with her. I will miss her!
This Sunday, July 6, Beth Knowlton will preach her last sermons as Canon of the Cathedral of St. Philip, at both the 8:45 and 11:15 services. Between those services, at 10:10, we will host a grand reception for her in the parish hall. Please join us for that reception, and help us salute one of the great priests of the Episcopal Church.
Thank you, Canon Knowlton, for your caring organization and your sensitive spirit! Thank you for your love and commitment to this place! Thank you for your openness to the Spirit of God, that same Spirit that now calls you onward to another church! We are thankful for your time here, and we are proud of you! And thank you, Beth, for your friendship and love. We will miss you, yes. But we look forward to seeing you again, in this great and wide kingdom of God.
Love!
