To all who are young and need counsel; to all who are strong and want a task; to all who are weary and need rest; to all who are lonely and want companionship; to all who mourn and need comfort; to all who are sinful and need a Saviour - to whosoever will: this church opens wide its doors and in the Name of Christ says -WELCOME!
St. John's Episcopal Church
Thursday, February 23, 2012
To restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. BCP 855

St. John's New Priest-in-Charge

The Calling of The Reverend Les Jackson

    In mid-May, our Vestry,  with the guidance and approval of Bishop Scott Mayer, called The Reverend Les Jackson as Priest-in-Charge of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

    A native of Lubbock, The Reverend Jackson graduated from Texas Tech University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Welfare. Reverend Jackson served for eleven years as a Deacon at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Lubbock. He has had an extensive career in social work and counseling, serving as a Hospice chaplain; executive director of Bethphage, working with persons with developmental disabilities; and has served for many years as a social services coordinator for the Lubbock Regional MHMR Center. Upon the recommendation of friends, colleagues and other priests of this diocese, Reverend Jackson decided to enter the ordained ministry. He graduated from the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin on May 10th.

    Reverend Jackson and his wife, Valinda, will begin their move to Odessa in July and assume the role of Priest In Charge on Sunday, July 10th.  In mid-August, St. John’s will be privileged to host Reverend Jackson’s ordination to the priesthood. This ordination will indeed be
a joyous occasion for us all!

    Reverend Jackson will initially serve St. John’s as a Priest-In-Charge.  Per Diocesan policy, a newly ordained priest must serve in this capacity for a period of two years. Following that two-year period, and with the consent of the Bishop, the Vestry and the priest, the Priest-In-Charge may then be called as Rector.

    As we move forward together, let us thank God for his continual presence in the life of our church. These are exciting times for all of us at St. John’s. Please keep our Church, Bishop Mayer, your Vestry, Frank, Gloria, Les and Valinda in your daily thoughts and prayers.