St. Luke's of Monrovia

The Reverend John E. Crean, Jr., Ph.D.

Interim Pastor, St. Luke’s Episcopal Parish

122 South California Avenue

Monrovia, CA 91016

626-357-7071

Dearly Beloved in Christ!

Let me take this opportunity to greet you in the Name of our Lord! We begin together on Holy Name Sunday, January 1^st 2012. A New Year! A New Beginning! I am absolutely thrilled that Bishop Bruno has appointed me to serve as your Interim Pastor.

Whenever I assume leadership in a new parish, I like to put people at ease about what to call me. Shortly before ordination in 1974, I asked my mentor, “What should I have them call me?” His answer was unforgettable: “They will call you what they need to.”

I am most comfortable with just “John” or “Father John.” You choose. I have an old parishioner who insists on always calling me “Professor.” (Remind me to tell you a funny story sometime about how they address me in Germany.)

Terminology interests me. I think terms are important. My “job” title here is “Interim Pastor.” Both words are significant. “Interim” means that under no circumstances may I succeed myself here and become your rector. While my time with you has no specific limit, I simply serve as long as necessary until your new priest arrives.

“Pastor” is even more meaningful. The Diocese has chosen that term deliberately. The term “rector” derives from the Latin regere, to rule. The word “pastor” is related to our word pasta. At least etymologically speaking, a rector rules, while a pastor feeds.

I hope to be “among you as one who serves,” who feeds, who pastors. I have been charged to work alongside your elected leadership, the Vestry. Together, we are supposed to make sure we have everything we need to be the church here in Monrovia. Both Vestry and Bishop are counting on me to get St. Luke’s ready to receive the next priest God will send you. I welcome that assignment and promise to offer my experience in our joint endeavor, while loving you all to death (but hopefully not literally!) in the process.

Please call me whatever you will . . . but please do call me! I am most eager to get to know and love you all.

Devotedly yours in Christ,

John+