July 5, 2023

Dear Rockford Reformed Church Family and Friends,

Here’s an update that begins with a letter from Beth Jennings, our Children’s Ministry Director. I’ll let her explain and then provide a bit more information after her note…

Dear RRC family,

Right off the bat I want to say, “thank you!”. Thank you for being such a wonderful community to raise my family in, to be a part of and to be trusted as a staff member. You have been encouraging and supportive in both my life and my role in Children’s Ministry.  

I have been on staff since 2009. I started as a Nursery Coordinator and quickly became the Director of Children’s Ministry. As you're reading, I hope you hear how grateful I am to have been a part of RRCCM for so long. Two years ago, I graduated with my Early Childhood Education degree, fulfilling a life goal of mine. What began way back in 2000, took a long 17-year break, before finishing strong in 2021. In May, a position of which I am very excited for has fallen into my lap and I have taken on a new role. I am leaving my children’s ministry directing position and pursuing being an Early Learning Interventionist at Cedar Springs schools.

Even as I type, tears of gratitude are falling as I am so very thankful for this position as I was able to be a mom and raise my kids alongside encouraging many of your children in their faith journeys. The children at RRC have had an amazing impact on my life and my heart. God began an awesome story here for me and I believe He is guiding me onto this next chapter.

To the many volunteers who I have had the privilege of serving alongside, it’s hard to find the right words of gratitude. You all are the foundation of children’s ministry. You stood by me, encouraged me, trudged through the trenches each week and still remained faithful volunteers. I pray you will continue to guide, love, and show Christ’s hands and feet to the children of RRC.

And last but certainly not least, to the kids of KidLife, past and present. You might not know, but you all are the reason I have loved my role over the past almost 15 years. You have brought me joy, kept me humble and showed me that with Christ all things are possible. I will continue to pray for you as you continue your faith journeys.

This is not goodbye, just a step down.  

With love, 

Beth Jennings 

P.S. The instructions to reset the boiler are posted right on the front of it:) 

So, first, we all hate change—especially when a wonderful staff member like Beth steps down. While Beth rightly points to our faithful volunteers and the kids through all these years, she has been a solid foundation for our children’s ministries, outreach, and far beyond, she has picked up the slack in immeasurable ways. Thank you, Beth. We are grateful for your ministry, character, faithfulness, and passion for Jesus and our kids through all these years. Your investment and ministry will carry on to bear fruit and yield a harvest in the hearts and minds of countless kids.

Second, we give thanks with you for this opportunity that is clearly God’s provision for a new chapter in your life and career. A common response as I have shared this news is joy because this is “so good for Beth.” On the other hand, we are sad because we will miss your presence in this role and place that you’ve had with us in ways that we cannot yet imagine.

Beth will start into her new role and winds down her position with us by the end of August. She has also committed to help with the transition of a new person who takes up her position. And so, we have begun to make some contacts and put some feelers out for someone to fill the Director of Children’s Ministries position. Beth has been very helpful with this already as well. If you know of anyone who might serve well in this position, send them our way. Or, contact Eric Ringnalda or me.

Give thanks and pray for Beth as she makes this transition. Pray that God will raise up and reveal another person who is a great fit to take up this role in the years ahead. God can use all this change for the great good of his kingdom. He who has begun a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Tim