Transitions

This is a copy of the letter I mailed to the Faith Lutheran Church congregation last week. I thought I'd post it here for those of you who follow my blog or did not get the letter by mail. Look here soon for more information on our move to Mt. Si Lutheran Church in North Bend, WA.


From Pr. Mark Griffith

To the Faith Lutheran Church Family:
As we have grown together these past two years I have shared with many of you that I believe life is an adventure. With joy and faith I take one step at a time following where God would lead. The time has come for me to take the next step in my adventure to a new place. Heather has been accepted to the University of Washington Law School and together we decided to explore ministry options for me that would be closer to the University. That led us to consider an opportunity for me to be the pastor at Mt. Si Lutheran Church in North Bend. They have issued me a Letter of Call and I have accepted it. For me personally it is a difficult mixture of excitement and sadness to announce I will be leaving Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton.
I heard a bishop say that your first call should be the one that “warms the rest of your ministry.” The first congregation you serve should be the one that helps form you as a leader and prepares you for whatever challenges and opportunities come in the future. Faith Lutheran Church has certainly been that for me, I will always draw on my experience here and all of the people I serve in the future will be indebted to your faithfulness and compassion. The people of this congregation have “warmed” the rest of my ministry and for that I am forever grateful.
I am excited for what the future holds for all of us, for the new futures the Holy Spirit is calling us to, but also sad to leave such a wonderful and loving community. It has been a blessing to be your leader, to work here at the church with Pr. Steve and a wonderful staff.
My last Sunday with you at Faith Lutheran Church will be September 6th, 2009.
I humbly ask that you keep the family of Faith Lutheran Church and Heather and me in your prayers as we make this transition. I know and trust that God’s hand is leading and guiding us and will continue to call us on to new adventures.
Peace,

Pr. Mark Griffith