This morning (23rd Nov), the churchwardens announced to our parish family my resignation as Vicar of St Christopher’s. For the sake of openness and for anyone who may not have received the email, I am sharing my pastoral letter (dated 21st nov) here so that all may read it in full.
21 November 2025
Dear Church Family
The third chapter of Ecclesiastes reminds us of an unchanging truth: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” In 2021, God laid upon my heart a clear call to come and serve this parish, following the nomination of your Parish Nominators and the invitation of the Bishop. Not only did I feel called by God to serve here; I have also deeply valued the privilege of ministering to this wonderful community of faith.
Over these past several years, we have worked hard together as a church family, pursuing our vision of making disciples of Jesus in this community. We have shared many moments of joy, and we have walked together through challenges—as every church does. And through it all, we have witnessed the gracious hand of God at work among us. St Christopher’s has changed a great deal for the better over this time.
Life, however, is never static. Change is inevitable, and God continually calls us into new challenges and opportunities. After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, and in consultation with our Bishop, I have resigned as Vicar of St Christopher’s Church. My final Sunday with you will be 18 January 2026.
I have accepted an invitation from the Bishop of Adelaide to serve as the next Rector of the Anglican Church of Unley in Adelaide, beginning 2 February 2026. I believe this is the right next step in God’s call for my ministry and for our family. This decision does not arise from any dissatisfaction or difficulty here. It is a step taken in obedience and trust, following where we believe God is leading.
The Apostle Paul opens his letter to the church in Philippi with these words: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” Amid all the varied emotions I am currently feeling, I can say with Paul that I, too, experience deep peace and joy as I remember you. It is impossible for me to express how grateful I am to God for the privilege of serving as your pastor. I believe God has truly blessed our ministry together. My family and I have also been richly blessed by the loving, nurturing and supportive faith community that is St Christopher’s. The relationships and partnerships we have formed have enriched our lives more than we can express.
Pastoral transitions are never easy, yet I have every confidence that—with the unity, goodwill and prayerful support of the church family, and the wise leadership of the Bishop and his team, together with our churchwardens and vestry—this transition can unfold smoothly and fruitfully. Christ is the true Shepherd of His Church, and He will continue to lead St Christopher’s forward.
One of the most important things in life is saying goodbye in healthy ways. Over the coming weeks, Guan and I, together with Angela and Nathan, hope to do this intentionally and lovingly. St Christopher’s has truly been a blessing to our family. We will miss you dearly. Thank you for welcoming us into this church family. Thank you for the years of shared ministry, prayer, worship and service. And thank you for sending us off with your love and blessing.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May He look upon you with favour and give you His peace.
With love in Christ,
Deo
