Parish Family:
I am writing to share with you news regarding Wes Sharp, who this spring will move from ministry at the Advent to a calling that has been increasingly pressed upon his heart, to serve in a missional way in Birmingham through Big Life Ministries.
For some time, Wes has felt this call. He, Alison, and their boys have prayerfully engaged this leading. As God so graciously does, he continued to place this before Wes until Wes felt he could do nothing less than respond. It is a call he cannot shake.
I am grateful for Wes’ time with us, for his ministry and his gifts shared with us, and the gift of his family as a part of our community. We will miss the regularity of our time with the Sharps, yet look forward to remaining in fellowship with one another.
You may remember that Wes originally came to the Advent for a temporary moment after serving as the rector of Holy Cross in Trussville. Thankfully, those intended few months grew into years and his ministry has enriched us, coming as God’s gracious provision in a time of need. It has been a blessing for the Advent, and God has now given Wes discernment on his next chapter of ministry. Thanks be to God for the ways in which he works.
Over the next months, Wes will make plans and develop funding for this call. He and I are working on the timeline for his transition, and we will communicate this with you in the coming weeks. The timing is flexible as plans and preparations are being made.
I am grateful for the Sharps, for each of you, and for the ways in which God is active and engaged in leading us into his harvest.
The Lord be with you.
Craig