Father Chuck to Retire
Dear St. Paul's:
Fr. Chuck Walling is a legend at St. Paul's. His leadership, pastoral presence, teaching, and preaching have been vital to our parish for twenty years. His humor, wit, and friendship have gladdened our hearts. His faith has been a model and inspiration for parishioners across the generations. I am sad, therefore, to report that Fr. Chuck has decided to retire fully from active ministry at the end of this month.
In normal circumstances, we would twist Fr. Chuck's arm until he allowed us to throw a party to celebrate his many contributions to our parish. In this time of pandemic, however, we are unable to do so. I hope the time will come soon when we can gather and raise a glass to honor him, but for now, at least, he has asked us not to make a fuss. Instead, I ask you to remember Chuck and Betty in your prayers, giving thanks to God for them and for their ministry in this place. Please consider writing a note of gratitude to Fr. Chuck, which you can mail to the church. Also, if you would like to make a financial contribution to the Wallings as a gesture of your thanks, please do so by mailing it to the church office.
Fr. Chuck has been a valuable friend and colleague to me, and I will miss dearly sharing ministry with him. He more than deserves a joyful retirement, and I wish him every blessing in this next chapter of his life. Most of all, for all that he has been to me and to our parish, I give thanks to God.
Yours Faithfully,
Evan
A Letter from Father Chuck Walling
To the People of St. Paul’s Fayetteville:
Diane Gabaldon in her novel Voyager (the third volume of the Outlander series) has her heroine Clair, leave a letter to her twenty year old daughter. A portion of the letter says:
“All the names I’ve called you through the years—my chick, my pumpkin, precious dove, my darling, sweetheart, dinky, smudge—I know why the Jews and Muslims have nine hundred names for God; one small word is not enough for love.”
I have decided to retire on August 31st of this year from active ministry. There are innumerable names that I could use to address you—the Body of Christ, the Church, the Beloved Community, the Faithful, the Ecclesia, the Disciples of Christ, the Sanctified, the Saints of God and so many others. But those words are not enough for the love that I have for you who constitute the People of St. Paul’s parish. Those words are not enough for the love you have given me during these years.
I want to thank you for allowing me to serve as your priest, as a friend, and as a companion of the Way during these twenty years. You have given me multiple acts of grace and love.
I am your devoted servant,
Charles E Walling