Rev. Jack Alvey, the Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Selma, announced Tuesday his plans to leave the church for another position.

According to the letter addressed to the St. Paul congregation, Alvey will be the new Rector at The Church of the Ascension in Vestavia Hills. His last Sunday at St. Paul’s will be Sept. 9.

“For the past several months, Jamie and I have sensed that our family is in transition,” he wrote in his letter. “We were open to the possibility that this might mean we simply begin a new chapter at St. Paul’s in Selma. Both of us were clear that we would only move if it felt right, and this feels right. Even though we are clear about this call, we are still grieving our imminent departure from St. Paul’s and Selma.

“These past four years have been a tremendous blessing to our family,” Alvey said. “You immediately welcomed us into your homes and into your lives. You embraced Mary Katherine as one of your own and helped us celebrate the birth of our son John. You were there every time one of our parents received a cancer diagnosis. You taught me how to be a better priest and a more faithful pastor. You have enriched our lives beyond measure, and we will carry your love always.

“We have done some amazing things together in our service to Christ and God’s kingdom. We have grown in size and in our commitment to the Lord’s work in Selma,” he said. “We have promoted healing and reconciliation within the community (and country). We have restored and preserved our buildings which stand as outward and visible signs of a lively and active parish. You have every reason to look expectantly to the future God is preparing for you in Christ – a future filled with hope and possibilities.

“I have been in conversation with our Wardens and have formally submitted my resignation to the Vestry,” he said. “I have also been in conversation with Henry Hudson who will continue to assist the parish in his current role, and the staff will continue to support you in the work of ministry.

“In the coming weeks, our Senior Warden, Ralph Hobbs, assisted by our Junior Warden, Urban Friday, and Vestry will work with the Bishop and diocesan staff to navigate this time of transition,” Alvey said. “I will still be the Rector for the next five weeks and will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition.”