11/12/2015
It is with great delight that we announce the Reverend Dr. Frederick Moser has accepted our call to be the new rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Shelburne. In our Office of Transition Ministry Community Portfolio, we stated: Future leaders of Trinity will have a gift for conveying God’s love. They will model joy in worshipping God and desire to continue in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. They will draw from their knowledge of Scripture and a well-established prayer life, and their presence will be pastoral: available and seeking connection with others. Trinity parishioners will look to leaders with integrity, who welcome everyone into our worshipping community. Trinity’s Ministry Discernment Committee, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has been led to a priest who is equipped with such gifts. Fred’s call was issued on the unanimous vote of the vestry.
Fred’s most recent roles have been as rector of Church of the Holy Spirit in Wayland, MA, where he served for the past 21 years, Field Education Supervisor for Harvard Divinity School, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, and Convener for the Wayland Interfaith Clergy Association. He has spent time in Israel, Palestine, Turkey, and Europe as a pilgrim, student, and traveler. Fred has also served as Chaplain at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Associate Rector at St. Mary’s Church in Manchester, CT, and Teacher of Religious Studies for middle and high school students at Trinity School in NYC. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Episcopal Divinity School, a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Connecticut College. Fred was ordained in 1982.
Several characteristics draw Fred to Trinity. He recognizes our value of connection and inclusion, and for living into our life as Christ’s Body by serving in the world. He celebrates our deep yearning for spiritual life that is contemporary but at the same time draws on the church’s most ancient practices. Our practice of shared leadership, and investment in the life of the church, inspire him. Finally, Fred has enjoyed his interactions with members of our parish during our shared discernment process.
Fred is married to the Reverend Kim Hardy, an accomplished liturgist, musician and cellist, bearer of Celtic Spirituality, pilgrimage leader, and facilitator of spiritual development. Fred and Kim have two daughters, Julia and Rachel Moser-Hardy. Julia is a recent graduate of St. Olaf College, MN and Rachel is a student at Sweet Briar College, VA. Fred brings lots of energy! He especially enjoys cooking, traveling, canoeing and kayaking, and swimming, and is an avid model railroader and railroad enthusiast. Fred and Kim will move to Shelburne during Advent. As soon as it is set, we will share Fred’s first day to preach and celebrate with Trinity.
We are sure that your prayers and friendship will support Fred, Kim, and their daughters as they join our parish family! Grace and Peace,
Bud Ockert Ann Dillenbeck Senior Warden Chair, Ministry Discernment Committee