A letter to the congregation from Rose Eaton, Membership and Communications Manager.

Dear All Souls,

Thank you for being you. Over the last nine years, it’s been my pleasure to be a part of this community of communities. I have been supported by you in times that were difficult, encouraged and uplifted by your selflessness and commitment to social justice, and actively encouraged to grow myself. What has struck me again and again is the resilience of this congregation – I’ve watched you take the hits and rise again in the best of ways, and I was glad to be there to help. Many familiar, beloved faces have come and gone; and now it’s my turn.

I’ve been offered an amazing employment opportunity, one of those once in a lifetime dream jobs. It was an incredibly difficult decision to make – I contemplated for several days before ultimately accepting. I’m excited and terrified all at the same time – change is scary. I’m sorry to be leaving All Souls in another year of massive changes. I know it hasn’t been easy, and it isn’t over yet. I hope with the new incoming staff and ministry, it evens out. I hope you continue building the relationships you each seek, and the community you strive to be. You’re more than worthy of one another, and up to the challenge of doing it well. I know this congregation will continue to thrive in beautiful and meaningful ways. It has meant so much to me to be a part of it.

My last Sunday with All Souls will be April 7 – appropriately, Choose Your Own Adventure Sunday. After that, you’re welcome to visit me at the National Gallery of Art. I’m not very good with goodbyes – so be sure to have tissues when we chat (I know I’m going to need them!), much preferring to say that we’ll see each other again out there, somewhere and someday, along the road. I will miss seeing you all on the regular, and I’m leaving a large part of my heart with you All Souls. Thank you for sharing the journey with me along the way.

With gratitude and love,

Rose