Dear Siblings in Christ,
We write to announce the retirements of Robin Hammeal-Urban and the Rev. Cn. Tim Hodapp. This is bittersweet news for us to share — both Robin and Tim have faithfully served ECCT for many years and are respected leaders in their ministries not only in our diocese, but also in the wider Church. We will miss them and all that they added to, and elevated in, The Commons team.
Yet as Christians, we know that an ending is not an ending, but a change. In their retirement, both Robin and Tim will still be a part of ECCT’s corporal life. We urge you to read their statements below in order to learn more.
We also know that change, especially when it comes to staffing transitions at The Commons, can bring with it moments of anxiety and moments of gratitude. Please read the Next Steps section to learn more.
On Tuesday, November 19 from 5-7 PM, we will host an Open House at The Commons in Robin and Tim’s honor. We hope you will join us then to thank and celebrate them.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Jeff & Bishop Laura
Robin Hammeal-Urban, Director for Pastoral Response & Discipline
Robin began her work at The Commons in 2000 to assist when questions arise regarding clergy behavior and professional standards. Author of Wholeness After Betrayal: Restoring Trust in the Wake of Misconduct, she was named as one of ECCT’s first female lay Canons by Bishop Ian Douglas.
Her work has spanned the tenure of three Bishop Diocesans and her expertise in both Safe Church and Title IV matters is sought both locally and world-wide.
“Having had the honor of serving ECCT for 24 years, I find I am now called to focus on cross-cultural work with the Anglican Communion Safe Church Commission, on which I have served since 2017,” says Robin. “I also look forward to spending more time plein air painting and enjoying my family and friends.”
She continues: “It has been a gift and an honor to serve with three Diocesan Bishops and their staffs, gifted clergy, lay leaders, and congregations as we sought God’s presence, often in the midst of difficult circumstances.”
Says the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello about Robin’s departure: “I am grateful to have benefited in my first two years from Robin’s wise counsel and depth of knowledge in her field. ECCT owes Robin a great debt of gratitude for her 24 years of service, and I am thankful she will be continuing the work of making the church a safer place for all across The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion.”
“Robin’s leadership in the Church has helped us to come to a deeper understanding of how we are called to safe guard all God’s children,” says the Rt. Rev. Dr. Laura Ahrens. “I am grateful for her ministry in ECCT and throughout the Anglican Communion. We are a healthier Church thanks to her commitment to this holy work.”
Robin’s last day at The Commons will be November 22, 2024.
The Rev. Cn. Tim Hodapp, Canon for Congregations & Transitions
The Rev. Cn. Tim Hodapp joined The Commons staff in 2012. From coaching to working with congregations in transition, he has served ECCT in many capacities at the executive level.
In his latest capacity as Canon for Congregations & Transitions, he collaborated with clergy and vestries across ECCT to discern next steps in the clergy transition process and to invite parishes to ask the question: “What is God inviting us to pay attention to?”
Says Tim: “In 2012, I was invited to join you in serving God’s mission here in Connecticut. Gerard and I couldn’t have imagined the life we’d encounter on this adventure which continues to be one of the greatest privileges of my life. And while God’s plans aren’t always mine, the choice of ‘what’s next’ certainly is. Retirement is the right choice — exciting and a bit daunting — and now is the right time. Connecticut is our home, which inevitably offers a lot of familiarity as we write this next chapter.
Thank you for the pleasure of serving alongside you; and I look forward to continuing to join you and Jesus, following the Spirit’s lead for whatever’s ahead here in ECCT.”
“Tim’s service to ECCT has been one of servant ministry,” says the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello. “Over his 11 years on staff, he has assumed leadership in multiple capacities and been instrumental in helping us imagine a new way of being church in the 21st century. I look forward to continuing to work with Tim as a clergy colleague in ECCT, and am excited for Tim in this next chapter of his life and ministry.”
Says the Rt. Rev. Dr. Laura Ahrens about Tim’s departure: “It has been an absolute joy to share in ministry with the Rev. Cn. Tim Hodapp. His energy, vision, and passion for God’s mission was, and is, a constant source of inspiration for me. I will miss our collaborative work and his kindness. He is a true gift to the Church!”
Tim’s last day at The Commons will be December 20, 2024.
Next Steps: Portfolio Transitions
We wanted to note a few things about transitioning Robin and Tim’s portfolios to other Commons staff members. One of the hopes for ECCT’s Canon to the Ordinary role was bringing Title IV into their portfolio. Robin and the Rev. Cn. Ranjit K. Mathews have been working closely over the last few months to prepare him for this role. For Title IV matters going forward, please contact the Rev. Cn. Ranjit K. Mathews.
The Rev. Cn. Tim Hodapp will gather over Zoom with parishes currently in transition to both process and talk through what comes next. If you are a parish in transition, please look out for an email from Tim/ECCT in the coming weeks. We have also paused our search for Director for Congregational Development & Networking at this time so we can begin our search for Canon for Congregations & Transitions. The job position will be posted in the coming weeks.