In August of 2017, I received a simple prayer request from an acquaintance. “Prayers, please. Going through a rough time.” I’d met the man through a barbecue competition the previous year, and he seemed genuine and a generally fun person to be around. Little did I know then that I’d met someone with whom I’d begin rebuilding—along with the people already there—the Church of the Resurrection.
Chad Yarbrough initially signed on for five months. The plan was never to stay longer; he intended to seek financially stronger employment but wanted to help out here in the meantime. It was a win-win. I needed an assistant. He needed a job. Three and a half years later, Chad found what he had been searching for—thanks be to God.
There’s so much that I can list about Chad. From manual labor around the church to helping me clean and redesign rooms for use. We painted together, put cove base on together, created newsletters, bulletins, visions for ministry, and even discovered the ever-elusive email password! We journeyed. We built. We supported each other through difficult moments—me consoling him when his OSU cowboys lost, and him bear-hugging me after the death of a friend.
You see, Chad is much more than an assistant. Chad is an apostle. Grace appears in all shapes and sizes; in this instance, grace looks like sasquatch. And thank God for that, as we needed big grace to jump-start our now thriving community. He has played the part of Santa, Putrid, confidant, and friend. He has made me leave the building to rest; he has made me eat when I forget. He reminds me to take naps when he says I’m cranky—clearly I’m never cranky—but I allowed those moments, anyway.
To say that he’ll be missed by this church family is an understatement. There will be real grief in his absence, but pure joy in the opportunities that lie ahead for him and for us. The person that fills that position will be different, but will also bring unique gifts and grace of their own. The only hole that needs be filled is the one of not seeing him every day; that will be difficult. Our business isn’t like the ones most other people operate—we’re in the business of relationship, and business has been good. I know I speak for all of us when I write that he has been and will continue to be a great friend to Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, and that he is a vital part of why we are who we are, now.
But as with all things, change is inevitable. And it isn’t bad. It’s just different. I look forward to welcoming the new Executive Assistant to ECOTR—and I’ll send that information soon, after I speak with my Wardens and gain their insights. Until then, pray for Chad’s success, and thank God for his presence over the last few years.
And Chad, I’m proud to be your friend. Thank you for making my dreams come to life around here. Thank you for being you. Well done, good and faithful servant. And as I’ve said to you every day before I leave the office, my last words will be the same:
Thank you.
Fr. Sean+