The Rev. Rich Kukowski, longtime pastor of Transfiguration Church in Colesville, Md., retired recently. The Gazette newspapers took note:
Father Richard Kukowski’s home sits across New Hampshire Avenue from The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, which he led for 27 years. But save for a funeral, wedding or other milestone event for a friend, he has not returned since he retired earlier this year.
‘‘I’m surprised I don’t miss it more,” Kukowski said of the Colesville church. ‘‘I thought I would, but to me that’s a real strong sign that this was the right decision at the right time.”
On Sunday, members of the congregation held their traditional ‘‘greening” of the church for the holidays, and Christmas services will continue as usual under the leadership of the Rev. Carla Thompson, the interim rector. ‘‘We’re going to adhere to the traditions and understandings Transfiguration has until a new rector comes along. Then change comes if it’s wanted,” she said. ‘‘Now is not the time to make small changes or significant changes.”