I have been so blessed
Some (good and bad) News
Bishop Peter joined our 10am service this morning with a special announcement - that I will be the next Dean of Christ Church Cathedral. Exact timing is yet to be determined, but it is likely that I will start at the Cathedral by the 1st of December this year.
A full press release, including video, can be found here - Special e-Life | New Dean for Christ Church... and a copy of my formal resignation letter to the parish is attached.
I have been so blessed to have spent the last six years among the people of Opawa-St Martins. We have made wonderful friends, seen incredible faith, and been so cared for in this community. We will be praying for the parish as it begins to look for a new Vicar, and I ask for your prayers as I take up this exciting (and challenging) new role.
A particular thanks to the Wardens, Vestry, and Parish Nominators who will be guiding the process, and picking up the slack in the meantime.
I take comfort that I leave the parish in good health, confident that you will continue to be a community of hospitality, full of wisdom and talent freely used for the Glory of God. The parish is in good heart, and I look forward to seeing where the Spirit will be at work in the next incredible chapter for St Mark's.
Kia ora e te whanau a te Karaiti, Greetings in the name of Christ.
I write to inform you of my resignation as Vicar of the Parish of Opawa-St Martins, effective Thursday 30th November, 2023.
I offer this resignation with strong, but mixed, emotions. It has been the most incredible privilege to lead the parish over six exciting and tumultuous years. The St Mark’s Vicarage has been the first home with my wife Johannah. While serving in the parish we have welcomed our children … baptised at St Anne’s … St Mark’s School, and … St Mark’s Church. As my family has changed, so has the church family. From here I have baptised 24 children of God, married two couples, and commended 32 souls into God’s eternal care.
I have loved my time in the parish, and I’m sad to be leaving it at this time of
stability and growth. I have also delighted in the faith conversations I’ve been privileged to have as part of the ministry at St Mark’s School.
And yet, amidst the grief of leaving a parish I adore, I rejoice because I believe I am following God’s call into a new ministry as the 15th Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.
I will offer my best in the final three months at St Mark’s, and will continue to pray for the parish as they begin the search for a new Vicar, as I know they will be praying for me in this next chapter.
Ben Truman
20 August 2023
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