Times They Are A'Changin'

The following is a letter that went out today to the congregation of Calvary Lutheran Church:

February 5, 2008
My dear Calvary friends,
Over the course of the last six and half years I have composed many words to share with you. However, none of those words were as difficult to write as these. Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois, has called me to be their pastor. Believing that this call is from the Holy Spirit, it is with both sadness and anticipation that I am resigning my call to Calvary to accept the call to Bethlehem.

Six years ago I came to Grand Forks as a new seminary graduate, not sure what to expect, but certain that God had called me to a place called Calvary. I quickly discovered Calvary to be a community of God-gifted people, excited about the ministry of their congregation, passionate about serving and igniting others for Christ, and graciously willing to take in a young seminarian and teach her to be a pastor. You have lovingly encouraged me, redirected me, and shaped me into the pastor I am today. And for that I thank you.

Walking with you in ministry has been both a privilege and a joy. We have worshiped together and shared the Lord’s Supper; we have walked with each other through illness, death and grief; we have celebrated together at baptisms and weddings; we have worked and played together and dreamed of what God is calling us to do and to be. There is part of me that could stay here forever; and a piece of me always will.

Now I believe God is calling me to walk for a while with another congregation. My last day at Calvary will be Sunday, March 30. While the timing of this new call is not ideal, truly no time would be right. I have utmost confidence in Calvary’s leadership and membership; I know that ministry here will continue strong, even during this time of transition in the pastoral team. And for my part, while I will grieve the loss of Calvary, I am also excited about the opportunity to explore ministry in a different context, bring the lessons I have learned to a new place, and move closer to my family and long-time friends.

Over the next several weeks we will be saying good-bye to one another. For now let me simply say thank you. Thank you for the great joy of these years among you. Please know that I will carry you with me always.

In God’s good peace,
Pastor Jennie English

And as I write this Jason is sitting next to me following his move to Grand Forks.
Times they are a'changin'.