January 2022 | Thanks for the Memories...

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Thanks for the Memories

It has been a wonderful three years at Christ First despite a Pandemic and all of the changes that it brought to how we have worshipped together.  As a church, I am happy to say we have continued to grow and thrive and heal.  Just a few highlights of what has been accomplished are that our numbers  have steadily increased in worship, we are averaging 14 youth in Sunday School, have created Jump for Joy (our liturgical dance team) and have been in mission with our Veterans by supporting the Dwyer Group every Monday.  We have created a visioning group and followed their recommendation to begin a Wednesday night worship service, one that is friendly to children and includes a meal and craft.   We are currently working on finding a counselor who will work with our congregation, our veterans, and the community at large with issues such as Post Traumatic Stress, Grief counseling, family needs and individual therapy. The Holy Spirit is actively blowing through Christ First and we just need to hold on and not let go!

As I have reviewed our successes, I am filled with peace and gratitude to the Lord for supporting us, allowing us to be fruitful.  However, it is with a heavy heart that I have had to make a difficult decision, the decision to step away from the pulpit and open it to another minister who will be poised to take this congregation to even higher goals.  God has been gracious and supportive of my work throughout my career in spite of health concerns that have been part of my life over the past 6 years.  For God’s amazing grace, I am thankful.  The decision to retire has been a difficult one fueled and guided by prayer.  I honestly believe that I was placed with you by God to help you prepare for a healthy future, but it is time for me to retire and move into another phase of life. 

And so my friends, July 1,2022 I will be handing over my role as your spiritual leader to another.  I am grateful to God for the opportunity to have been your pastor.  Tim and I thank you for your support, prayers and acceptance of us while we have been with you.  We love you all and want only the best for each of you.  It is with humility and a smile that allows me to say… “Thanks for the memories friends.”  May God bless you all.
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In gentleness and peace,
Pastor Sue