Dear Beloved Friends,
I am writing to you with news of my upcoming transition in leadership.
As of last week, I accepted an offer to become the Executive Director of Episcopal City Mission (ECM) beginning in April 2016. This is a big transition for Life Together and for me. The transition plan is still forming but will likely include an interim director of Life Together and a more robust hiring process undertaken in the spring/early fall for my successor. We will share further details with you in the new year.
My choice to move to ECM, as you can imagine, was not easy. I had not planned to leave Life Together at this time. Yet as I entered a time of prayer, discernment, and receptivity to imagination, I began to see a beautiful ecosystem, a garden really, of prayerful, prophetic and impactful people and organizations - praying and working for social and economic justice - connecting Christian spiritual practice and community building that enables reconciliation and justice. As I caught this vision for faith-rooted justice in Massachusetts and beyond, my heart opened to possibility. I see Life Together and ECM as existing collaboratively in this same ecosystem, as close partners in this broader web of prayer and action.
I could never leave Life Together if I felt that it was not ready for this transition. We have a very talented and committed staff and Leadership Team, and eight strong Prayer Partners supporting our four intentional communities of fellows. Over the last eight years, and with over 140 alumni, I believe Life Together has developed the organizational and staffing infrastructure, as well as deep confidence in God’s calling, to continue and deepen the work. And I intend to stay in close relationship.
Please pray for me and Life Together staff, Leadership Team, Prayer Partners, and fellows as we live into this new reality. I feel very confident about our next step and will also depend on your prayers.
I am so thankful for each you and for your contribution to Life Together. I look forward to seeing you at Love Matters on Saturday, May 14th at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul's, as well as at other events in the months ahead, for a celebration of our past and future.
Have a blessed and joy-filled Christmas,
The Reverend Arrington Chambliss