Rev. Kathleen's Letter to the Congregation

Dear Members and Friends, This month marks my 14th anniversary serving this congregation. I’ve always held the thought that when my gifts, skills and talents no longer meet the needs of the congregation, that would be the time for me to move on. A while back, before the pandemic hit, I began to feel and think that my ministry here may be coming to a close and then the pandemic hit. I knew I needed to continue on to see the congregation through the crisis. There is now a visible reality of the crisis coming to an end though we will continue to live with this virus. There have been several costs of this pandemic, especially the loss of life as well as the long-lasting health issues of those infected. And many of us, including myself, have experienced effects, though without being infected. I feel I am at less capacity than before and for a while now, have been struggling with my own mental and physical sense of well-being. 

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While I still have a heart for you, I no longer have a heart nor the energy for the complexity of the church’s systems; this pandemic and more have taken it out of me and I do not feel I’m able to serve the congregation as it needs. I have notified the Board of my resignation and return of call to be effective no later than August 22nd or until the Lead interim arrives. The Board will have more to share about next steps in the coming days. I believe in the future of this congregation and in the work it is doing. This congregation needs and deserves a Lead Minister that has the energy and capacity for this congregation’s growth into the next level of service and expanded programs. I will continue to support and serve you in the ways that I can and know that there will be some meetings that are no longer appropriate for me to participate in. Please know that this has not been an easy decision and I know this congregation and its ministry will continue long into the future and be stronger because of this transition. I have complete faith in you. I hope you’ll attend the Sunday service as there is more to say. With faith, hope and love,