Dear, dear Christ Church,

It is with great humility and complete gratitude that I write to announce my departure from you as your Senior Associate to accept the call to serve as Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio.

When I began my ministry here among you, as your Senior Associate, I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to park here for long. The role and responsibility of a cathedral is to be both a place-based hub of transformation and a sanctuary for saints seeking a deeper connection with the divine in community, while also preparing leaders for the wider church. I have found my niche in leadership from the second chair, and I am so grateful. Working alongside Dean Gray and Crystal Stone, our Chief Operating Officer, has been some of the most rewarding work I have ever been invited into. But the joy I have in working with the talented ministry leaders and staff who show up every day excited to help you carry out this bold mission for the city and diocese, well, it’s no small thing to let that go. You are incredible. You have taught me so much in the way of what it means to work in a positive, collaborative, life-giving environment. I love each one of you and will miss you dearly. 

Bishop Kristin Uffelman White, I believe, has asked me to do this work with her because of what she saw you and I do together here. The love we have for each other is contagious and now I’m being asked to go share that love with more saints who need it. My position will begin on Tuesday, April 16. This means my last Sunday with you will be April 7!

I know this is fast approaching, and while I am aware there will be mixed emotions about it, I am confident that I have left this place in good shape to hand off to your next Canon Vicar. I have already been praying for this person who will be able to join this amazing parish and lead alongside our incredibly talented staff, of whom I have had the honor and sacred privilege to serve and lead.

Saints of God, I didn’t expect this opportunity to come along, especially not this quickly, but I neither have any doubt that what we’ve been able to do together in my short time among you was holy and good and worthy of celebrating.

I will miss you all more than I can talk about. I will hold you always in a special place and cannot wait to see what next our Loving God shakes up here on the mighty circle of Indianapolis!

Dean Gray will be communicating next steps for searching and calling my successor in the days to come. Please hold our staff in your prayers and keep going! There are so many people who need to know about the love and mission being carried out in this place. I am so thankful for the time I’ve had among you. 

In Peace-

Jodi+