“I do not cease to give thanks for you when I remember
you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge
of him…so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth
of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the greatness of his
power toward us who believe..” Ephesians 1:16-18
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
In 2011, you
took a chance on an untested Pastor straight out of seminary. In the years that
followed we have shared much together, our joys and sorrows, hopes and fears. I
thank God for each of your and for our time together as you have helped me
grow. We have celebrated joys, mourned sorrows, and served the gospel together
in worship, in fellowship, in our outreach efforts and the very vital
afterschool ministry, The Dove’s Nest. You have taught me much and have blessed
me by sharing life together. I firmly believe that the quality worship and
vital community ministry and outreach must continue and I recognized that to
take the long view required evaluating how that might be best
accomplished.
It is with a mix of joy and sadness that I write to share
news that I have accepted another call to serve as Pastor of Christ Lutheran
Church, in Conyngham, PA. This has not been an easy decision. Michael and I
have been praying and discerning for some time both about the future of Holy
Spirit, and our future as well. As we look at the needs of our family and for
this congregation, it seemed that it is the right time and right opportunity to
relocate. We believe Christ Lutheran is a great fit for the continued
development of my gifts and strengths in ministry and offers community and
connections for Michael as well. At the same time we pray this transition
offers Holy Spirit greater ability to explore and continue in vital partnerships
and ministries here.
With my departure
my pastoral relationship with the members of Holy Spirit will come to an end.
I treasure the privilege you have given me to serve as your pastor, but upon my
departure, those responsibilities will belong to your interim and future leaders.
While friendships may continue, it will no longer be appropriate for me to
perform pastoral functions within the congregation or for its members.
Therefore, however hard it may be, if you ask, I will say No.
This is because I have great
respect for the integrity of the congregation and for the ministry of those who
will serve you, as well as great love for the church. Sometimes the greatest
challenge is to act with ethics rather than emotion but it is necessary for the
health of the congregation. For these reasons, I shall decline invitations to
preside or assist at weddings, baptisms, funerals or other congregational
functions without the approval of the congregation council and bishop. My hope
and request is that you as my former parishioners and future friends help me
keep a healthy distance from the congregation. On the other hand, I would be
honored to be invited as your friend to attend such events.
My last
Sunday leading worship as the Pastor of Holy Spirit will be December 28th.
Michael, the girls and I then leave for Finland utilizing the last of my unused
vacation. My last day of service will be January 10, 2015 as we move and I
begin my new call on January 11, 2015.
It is my
hope and prayer that we can share in meaningful celebrations at God’s table,
and in heartfelt farewells. In these weeks, I will be visiting our homebound
and also putting things in order for the smoothest transition for you. It is
also my hope and prayer that as we each respond to God’s call to new journeys
that new conversation and opportunities will reveal God’s power and hope and
guidance for you.
Yours
in Christ, Pastor Carolyn
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