By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

ALABASTER – Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan will soon move on from her current church in Alabaster to serve at St. Luke’s Episcopal in Mountain Brook.

Sullivan has been at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit for two-and-a-half years now, and has accepted the call to serve as associate rector for pastoral care at St. Luke’s.

“It’s been a wonderful experience here at Holy Spirit. There’s been lots of growth here,” said Sullivan.

Her last Sunday is Nov. 6, and the first Sunday in her new role will be Nov. 28, according to Sullivan.

She is sad to have to leave her church body, but feels her new role is where God is calling her and is excited for the opportunity.

“When I was approached about going to St. Luke’s to grow the Pastoral Care ministry, I felt it would be a good fit for my skills, and the body here at Holy Spirit is in a good place to bring in a new leader,” said Sullivan. “In ministry – and really, it’s true for all of us – it’s about where we feel God is calling us.”

Her excitement for the future of Holy Spirit was obvious, and she praised the body as a “wonderful, welcoming and vibrant community.” She reflected on her time with the parish, and said that her faith has deepened during her time with the church.

Sullivan said she is proud of the congregation’s commitment to the greater community, as exemplified in its partnering with the Alabaster City Schools to host free lunches during the summer.

The congregation’s impact on Sullivan and her love for the church make the transition difficult and bring about mixed emotions, but the future holds new possibilities for all. At the close of her message to the congregation, Sullivan wrote the following:

“Transitions can be challenging and it is natural to experience a wide range of emotions: from sadness, to anxiety, to excited anticipation. Malcolm and I are already grieving the nearing end of our season with you. In the meantime, we will savor and enjoy our time here at Holy Spirit, and forever carry you in our hearts and prayers.”