“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may
abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13
Dear Friends in Christ,
As I write this final newsletter article, my heart is full—full of memories, full of gratitude, and full of hope for what God will continue to do in and through you.
For the past eleven years, I have had the profound joy and privilege of serving as your pastor. Together, we have worshiped and prayed, celebrated baptisms and weddings, and mourned at bedsides and gravesides. We’ve gathered for coffee and conversation, Bible study and fellowship, mission trips and youth gatherings, committee meetings and community outreach and service. Through it all, we have been Church together—rooted in Christ, nurtured by the Word, and sent to share God’s grace.
Thank you for welcoming me—and my family—into your lives. Your prayers, kindness, and care have sustained us through the joys and the challenges. You have celebrated my ordination, our wedding, and the birth of our children in these years, and helped to raise our children in a community of faith, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Over the years, we have also shared in creative and courageous ministry. Whether it was adapting during the pandemic, trying new forms of worship, streaming online, or reimagining ways to serve and walk with our communities, you have shown a willingness to trust the Spirit’s leading and to keep the Gospel at the center of our life together.
As we now prepare to say goodbye, I offer a reminder and words of encouragement in this time of transition. Change can be hard, and it can stir up many feelings. But I want you to hear this clearly: God is with you. The same Holy Spirit who has led us together these past years will continue to lead you. The Spirit is already at work, preparing the heart of your next pastor and preparing you to receive them.
So trust in God’s promises. Trust in each other. And keep loving and serving boldly, just as you always have. As I go, I carry your stories with me and hold you in my prayers. And I leave you with these words of blessing:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.” —Numbers 6:24-26
With love and gratitude in Christ,
Pastor Amy Karlson
