An article from the Cathedral Times
by the Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler,
Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip
The Cathedral of St. Philip gives great thanks for the ministry of Canon John Mark Wiggers this Sunday, August 23, 2009. After six and a half wonderful years here, and after much prayer and discernment, Canon Wiggers has accepted God's call to become rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
We will miss John Mark and his family-wife Liz and sons Jack and Elliott. Together, they have become an important and loved part of this community; and they have been great hospitable stewards and residents of the deanery. I have especially appreciated John Mark's service and presence throughout the Cathedral community. He has been an all-round priest for young adults, youth, and children-and for all ages guiding various programs of adult education. He has preached and celebrated and just plain old hung out with all of us. And, as "Father Dude," he has delighted and inspired us with both bible selections and beer selections!
But God calls each of us to new duties from time to time. We will miss John Mark, but we are honored to send him out from this Cathedral to new mission in the world. St. James, Knoxville, will be most fortunate to benefit from his ministry and that of his family.
Please join us this Sunday, August 23, as we celebrate John Mark's last official day of ministry at the Cathedral. He will preach at the 8:45 and 11:15 services, and we will have a reception for him and his family during the Education time, at 10:10 am, in Child Hall. We say Good-bye to John Mark Wiggers this Sunday, but we also say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Thank you so much for fruitful time here, and may God bless all the days of your future ministry!
The Very Rev. Sam Candler