Friends of Holy Trinity,
It is with a wide variety of emotion that I writing to inform you that my last Sunday at Holy Trinity will be Sunday, Nov. 14th. I have accepted the position of “Manager, Congregational Engagement” with Lutheran World Relief.
It is an opportunity and a new sense of call that is instigating this transition in my life. I want to be more directly involved in the fight against massive inequality that is happening across the world. As many in the world continue to develop, grow and progress, many more are left behind. My faith is compelling me to act more directly on behalf “of the least of these.” I will be doing this by representing and raising money for Lutheran World Relief.
I am proud of our time together at Holy Trinity. During the last 4 years, we dedicated ourselves to being a truly inclusive community by becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation. We worked through covid and developed new ways of being together. We embraced technology and worshipped online for over a year (Zoom worship, cameras in the sanctuary, live-streaming). We read books (“God Can’t”, “The Road Back to You”) and studied the bible together, both in-person and on zoom (Bring Your Own Bible and Beverage). We worshipped outdoors at parks, by the ocean and in our parking lot (Christmas Eve Everywhere, The Longest Night and Brenna Fires). We started a weekly food program for people in our community (Pop-Up Pantry). This summer we experimented with a new type of intergenerational VBS (Backyard Wednesdays). We remained financially stable without taking a PPP loan that so many churches relied on. We talked about and struggled with race and racism. All of this wasn’t easy, but I firmly believe it was good.
I am thankful for the time my family and I have spent at Holy Trinity. When we first arrived, we were welcomed with open arms, warm smiles and plenty of delicious treats. When my brother died, you embraced and supported us. You celebrated my 10-year anniversary ordination by bringing deviled eggs by the hundreds! You listened to my sermons and opinions and hopes and dreams for Holy Trinity and the larger Church. Thank you.
I know this news will most likely be accompanied by a lot of questions about what comes next. I also know the church is in good hands because those hands are not ours, but they are the hands of God and God’s alone. In the coming weeks, the synod office will work with Church Council to develop a plan during this time of transition and then the Council will be in communication with all of you.
Thank you for your love and grace. I hope you experienced the same from me.