Father R Christopher Heying, Rector at Emmanuel since October 2012, has accepted a call to be the rector of Saint Paul's Church in Abbeville, Louisiana beginning 1 August 2015.
He will celebrate the eucharist at Emmanuel on two remaining Sundays, 14 June and 5 July, with the latter being his final Sunday at Emmanuel Church.
In announcing his resignation at Emmanuel, Father Heying said:
"My family and I have been blessed during our time at Emmanuel, and you have allowed me to grow as a priest, pastor, and person, for which I am profoundly grateful. We have come to appreciate the beauty of this community and county, and I have delighted in your commitment to ecumenical ministry and fellowship with our friends at Chatham Baptist, Chatham Presbyterian, and Watson United Methodist churches.
We have done some good and holy things together, and even in and through difficulty I believe we have often come to deepen our respect for one another.
Following my departure, you will be ably served by your vestry and others, and I know that you will support their ministry by opening your heart to them and allowing them to minister to you."