October 15, 2019

Brothers and Sisters of Faith UCC,

There was a phrase I spoke to Pastor Bruce often in my first months here at Faith UCC—“That went better than I thought it would.” Often I would say that after a meeting, youth event, or even after trying something new like the first week I led “Closing” for Sunday School. I do not know if Pastor Bruce was legitimately trying to coach me or if he was tired of hearing me say my phrase, but he looked at me and said, “You need to learn to expect better.”

He knew that in my previous church I had not been treated well. I carried wounds that caused me to assume the worst of almost any encounter with a church member. They were wounds from which I was, and in many ways still am, healing. What I found among you all is a safe place to be wounded. More than a safe place to be wounded, I found a safe place to be as the world created new wounds. 

I can faithfully say that I was not called to minister to Faith UCC, Faith UCC was called to minister to me. Thank you!

All relationships between pastor and church must come to an end, and it is no different with our relationship. Over the summer, I felt the call to maintain my relationship with Faith UCC begin to deteriorate, and so I began to explore options for ministry elsewhere. I have not yet been led to the place which God is showing me, but in giving this journey to God, I trust I will be led to God’s providence.

Much happened in my life since I came on staff in January of 2018. I thank God and you for your support, love, and prayers through all of it. It is not just the support, love, and prayers, but the way I felt these things from faith through my father’s illness and passing that was so powerful. I know I have made mistakes in my time at Faith. For these mistakes, I ask for your forgiveness where it is needed as I offer forgiveness to you wherever it is needed. Above all things, know that I love you all very much, and I will never forget the blessings I received from you. Rest assured, among those blessings is the ability to expect better.

After much prayer, discernment and discussion with Pastor Bruce, we have decided October 27th will be my last Sunday at Faith UCC. I will miss you all. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I will ask God to hold you in the grips of grace as well.

Blessings Always,