Farewell from Glendon
Early last century, in downtown Jackson and in Grand Teton National Park, St. John’s began its rich history and legacy with two chapels and a hospital.
Like many of you, we were not born in Wyoming, but we got here as soon as we could. I was born in Indiana, a Hoosier, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky, where over 40 years ago I met this beautiful redhead named Amy. We got married, had two wonderful daughters, and now have five adorable grandchildren.
I arrived in Jackson Hole last summer and was invited to shepherd a process to discuss the future of Browse ‘n Buy, the Jackson Cupboard, the Recovery Community, and two housing units. We have done this in small groups and by connecting with members one-on-one. I have come to learn much about the heart of Wyoming where cows graze, cowboys ride horses, wildlife is abundant, and where the mountains are calling us. When I had a chance, I rode my bike along the Elk Refuge Road and on Broadway to Cache Creek Trail, and kayaked Jackson Lake.
Many of you have touched my heart as I have been in your homes on visits, on hikes, gone out to lunch and dinner, breakfast at the Wort with the men’s group, played bid euchre, sang in the choir, helped with Habitat for Humanity, ushered, been to a couple of dinner parties at the Kass Residence, attended a Chorale Concert and a Jewish community gathering, and even been kayaking on the Snake River a few times. Getting to know this parish has been a joy, and I can see why you all really do love each other and Jesus Christ. You all are like The Three Musketeers, whose motto “all for 1 and 1 for all.”
I have grown in my faith here through poetry, discipleship, and worship, and I would like to believe that I have played a role in a positive approach to discussing and uniting everyone closer together in conversation and prayer. Meeting every week with our “A Legacy of Love” Steering Committee, we have had fun, and we feel like we are making a love-spreading difference in the lives of the community. The campaign co-chairs Kathy Stuck, Rob Kass, and Lonnie Brown have spent many hours leading this effort and I will miss them along with many others.
The wars, along with political and civil unrest has tried to divide us, but with events like the “A Legacy of Love” Launch in August, adult formation, and other small groups, your faith has remained strong under the leadership of your four wonderful priests and a deacon. I have had a private meeting each week with Jimmy, and I can tell you that he sure cares about you all and wants to do what is in the best interest of this community. The clergy and parish staff work hard, the vestry and Steering Committee are committed to serving this church, too.
As I leave early next week heading back home to celebrate the holidays in Kentucky, I will be singing – “Oh, the sun shines bright o’er my Old Kentucky Home” but I will miss this valley…”where the deer and the antelope play.”
God bless you all! It has been my pleasure serving you, St. John’s family!
Glendon Smith
