There is a time for everything, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to harvest; A time to hurt and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build up; A time to cry and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them; a time for holding close and a time for holding back; A time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away; A time to tear and a time to mend; a time to be silent and a time to speak; A time to love and a time to hate; a time for hostilities and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their efforts? I have reflected on this while learning all the kinds of work God gives to humankind. God has made everything in harmony with the divine; yet although the Almighty has imbued eternity in our soul, we are unable to grasp the totality of God’s work from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11
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Dear Ones,
This passage from Ecclesiastes is filled with meaning. Bruce and I had it read at our wedding. It is often read at times of transition and in seasons of change.
My ministry with you has entered into such a season. I have been called by the ELCA to serve as the Director of Contextual and Experiential Education at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. In this capacity I will work with students as they engage with Leadership in Context ministry sites, Clinical Pastoral Education sites, and Internship sites. I will teach Leadership classes and also have the opportunity to preach and lead worship among the seminary community.
The decision to accept this call almost broke my heart. I am so grateful for the ways we have been pastor and people together for the last eleven and a half years. There have been difficult times and there have been joyous times (as the writer of Ecclesiastes notes); our time together has been filled with much love and laughter and mutual care. But when God calls….God calls. (This was a refrain in a fine ordination sermon I heard recently!)
Bishop Shelley Wee and the synod staff will work with your Council in this time of transition. They will see to it that you receive the transitional care you need. They will remind us of boundaries and help you chart a course to find your next pastor. And Pastor Laura Harris Ferree remains as your half time Associate Pastor for Outreach and Community.
I deeply regret that the pandemic will keep me from giving each of you a big hug. You will remain in my heart and in my spirit….with such thanksgiving for the ways you have loved us well, with such thanksgiving for your faithfulness, and with such thanksgiving for the ways you actively share Christ’s love in community.
My final Sunday with you will be Reformation Sunday, October 25, 2020. Our worship schedule for October is as follows:
October 4: Worship Recording
October 11: Worship Recording
October 18: ZOOM Worship with Eucharist
October 25: Reformation Sunday with Rite of Confirmation—Worship Recording
Please watch the Mid Week Update each week for any more announcements or details. And feel free to call or email me as always. Remember that God is with us in every settled place and in every transition.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Julie Hutson+