03/10/2024
To Our Church, with Love,
It is has been a wonderful five years; we have faced both challenges and victories with tenacity and the strength of our faith.
We endured the COVID pandemic and became a stronger church. Since then: our rolls have grown, we've launched new initiatives and events within the community, baptisms have increased, we've welcomed new ruling elders, and new families have walked through our door. In a time where most churches are in decline, we have been doing the opposite.
To God be the glory! More importantly, in these five years I've grown to know you and your families. I've rejoiced with you in times of joy.
I've mourned alongside of you in times of sorrow. It is one of the reasons why I do not take this decision lightly and what makes this time of discernment incredibly difficult.
I have prayed for some time, and believe that God has revealed plans that are at cross-purpose to me continuing to serve at Mt. Airy. The pull of family is difficult to ignore, especially as both my children and parents grow older.
It is why we have decided to move back to Long Island to be closer to my own family. Tara, myself, and our children have strong love and ties to this church; this was the result of several months of family prayer, and discussions with our extended family.
I say God's plans have been revealed, and I find the timing of it to be uncanny. There are a number of churches in the surrounding area that have just undergone or are going through this same process. I look to Lambertville Church and its open pulpit. My prayer is that you will continue to have a spirit of collaboration and joint fellowship. My hope is that one day it will launch Mt. Airy and other churches in the area into a joint worship effort and experience, perhaps with shared staff.
You have a core group of wonderful and faithful people. Even when volunteering in the US is at an all time low, someone is always willing to pitch in and provide support. It is one of your greatest assets, so I encourage you to foster it in the months and years to come. I have all the faith and confidence that God has set before you a path of resurgence and renewal, for I've seen it on your faces Sunday morning.
In my tenure as your pastor, I have felt the Lord's presence dwelling among us each and every Sunday morning. For that is the main reason I believe God has plans and a path before you. 🙏
Feel free to reach out and speak to me about your feelings or thoughts regarding my leave or about the future of this congregation. I will pray with you, I will clarify for you, and I will grieve alongside of you. Most importantly, I will endeavor to do what I've always done: point us to the Lord and His work in this vineyard.
In Christ, with Christ, for Christ
Rev. Hugh Bradford Morgan