Dear Beloved Church Family,
This past weekend at our church services, I announced that I am stepping away from Pastoral Ministry. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my decision and shar it with anyone who may have missed the initial announcement.
I have spent a great deal of time in prayer and discernment over the last few weeks and feel that God is leading me to be more fully present and focused on my family. As my kids get older, we have had the sober realization that we only have so much time left with them before they spread their wings and take off on their own. While I have found much purpose and fulfillment in Pastoral Ministry, it is also a calling that requires a great deal from those who answer the call. I have seen over the last few months that the demands and rigors of Pastoral Ministry no longer align with my call to be the Mom God created me to be. And so, for this season, I am stepping away from Pastoral Ministry. I hope that one day, down the road, I will be able to step back into serving God’s kingdom as a pastor and preacher. For now, I am stepping forward with confidence into what God has next for me.
This has not been an easy decision, as serving as your pastor has been one of the greatest privileges and joys of my life’s journey and faith. Together we have worshipped, prayed, laughed, wept, grown, and worked for God’s kingdom. I will carry the memories of this time with me always. My love for our churches and our congregations will always remain, and I will continue to hold you all in prayer, as I hope you will for me. I trust that God, who has begun a good work among you, will continue to guide and bless you as you move into your future with hope.
While I will miss many things about our churches (Bible Studies, chosen groups, our incredible outreach ministries, and more), I think I will miss our kids the most. It has been such a privilege and blessing to watch them grow in life and faith. It has been a joy to come alongside them and help them in their discipleship journeys. Our churches have some truly remarkable children. I hope they know how great they are; they are all such beautiful souls, each in their own way. I hope that if you’re a parent reading this, you will pass that message along to your kids. I loved our time together at VBS, Confirmation Classes, Game Nights, and Campfires.
As I look to the future with hope and step with confidence into what God has next, I have been discerning where I can best serve God. I want to share with you that after reflection and prayer, I have decided to use my gifts and skills to work with youth going forward. Working with our kids here has shown me the depth of my heart for kids and the joy it brings me to be a part of their faith formation. As a result, I will be seeking opportunities to serve God’s kingdom in this season by serving the youth. I want to thank our kids and youth for being a part of that discernment – for showing me how much I love working with kids.
This coming weekend, October 4th and October 5th, will be my last weekend with you. I hope you will come and celebrate the work that God has done these last few years, because God has been at work, and that is a beautiful thing.
Thank you for your love and encouragement these last few years. I also want to express my gratitude for being a part of my journey and for partnering with me as we’ve served God. It has been a blessing, and I hope it has been the same or you
With Love and Fondness,
Pastor Rachel