Transitions and Thanksgivings

On Sunday, October 16 we announced the sad news that we will be leaving Ford Street Church effective December 31, 2022. This is sad news for us because Lapel is a community we deeply love. Ford Street Church has given us a beautiful phase of life and has been a safe and loving place for our children to grow.

This news for us, however, is also news we embrace with hope and joy. Our new appointment, St Joseph United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne, is a congregation with a significant ministry footprint in Northeast Fort Wayne. It is a church with a history of innovation. It is a church that currently is in need of the particular skills which I have. We believe this next step for us is of God. We wouldn’t be going if we didn’t! We could and would say “no” to this if we weren’t thoroughly convinced. We believe this represents the next best step for my service and for our family.

In the long run, this means that after January 1, I will not be available to officiate funerals or weddings. I will not be available to serve you at these and related events. That will be a gift for your next pastor.

In the short term, this transition means we have work to do! Here are my three goals:

1. Let’s launch and firmly establish healthy protocols for Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop. Let’s set a trajectory for success. I’ll give you all I’ve got for as long as I’ve got for this vital and powerful ministry.
2. Let’s set a trajectory for the future of the church’s health. On November 6th we’ll celebrate the completion of the Growing to Serve campaign with a special Sunday of Worship and a church-wide carry-in dinner. There, we’ll talk about all that can be done to continue to plan for future success.
3. Let’s plan thoroughly and effectively to welcome your new pastor. A part of this process will include some healthy grieving. This transition feels a bit quicker than many of you expected. It’s okay to share grief. It’s okay to find occasions and special ways to say goodbye. We’ll also want to start to think about how to open hearts to new folks who will serve you. It may feel difficult, but I know you will. As a church, you loved well many pastors and clergy families before me and mine. You will love the next pastor to serve you and his/her family.

Conference Superintendent Saneta Maiko has already begun to collect important information about the needs and desires of Ford Street Church in terms of pastoral leadership. In the weeks to come the Cabinet (a group of 8 Conference Superintendents) and Bishop Trimble will be prayerfully considering this guidance and seeking the best candidate to bring and present to our Church Council at Ford Street Church.

Friends, God is with us! Let us continue to follow Jesus into the future God’s Spirit unfolds before us. We need not fear, for we do not go alone! I give thanks for that and thanks for you and what you mean in my life! Glory to God, Amen!