01/17/2015
Hello everyone, this is the announcement letter from Pastor Mark to all of you:
Dear MHPC Family,
The Scripture proclaims:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heavens.” (Ecclesiastes. 3:1)
I believe this truth is important as I write today to let you know of two unrelated but important happenings in the life of our church.
The first is this: this past Sunday the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum, Idaho voted to call me as their new pastor, a call which I have accepted. While both Beth and I are excited about this new opportunity, and are convinced it is God’s leading for our lives, the one thing that makes it difficult is that it means our “time” with MHPC will soon be ending. For over thirteen years you have been our closest family. You have supported and encouraged us. You have cared for us when we were hurting. You have helped nurture our children in the faith. You have been an example of faith and trust in God. We’ve seen God use you to extend His kingdom in wonderful ways. For these things (and many more – too many to mention) we are grateful.
These things are also why, as I make this announcement, I do so with great confidence that God is going to continue to bless you and use you in exciting ways. You are a wonderful congregation full of gifted people who love Jesus. You have hearts to reach the community. You desire to honor and serve God. You care for one another. Because of these things, I truly believe that God has a wonderful future for this congregation, and that MHPC’s most fruitful years are ahead of it!
This coming Sunday (January 18) some elders and I will be available in the Fellowship Hall after both services to talk with you and answer your questions.
The second thing I wanted to inform you about is that this past week marked the end of the church’s relationship with Justin Lopez as Director of Student Ministries. While as a personnel matter it not appropriate to talk about details, the Session wishes Justin well as he seeks what is next for him.
While this means that this “time” of change at MHPC will also mean a “time” of change in youth ministry, both the Session and I want you to know that youth ministry will continue to be an important priority of the church. In order to help with this, Session has assigned two elders (Sophia Knappe and Anton Bakker) to help the Youth Committee during this time of transition, with Sophia becoming the committee’s new chair. Know too that Session is prayerfully looking at what is next in terms of youth ministry staffing. Also, we want you to know that we will be having our regular youth group gatherings this weekend (RAD Night on Friday and ECHO on Sunday).
This is a lot to have happen in a short time. But the good news is that your leadership (your Session and staff) are exceptional! Even better is this: the God we serve is even more exceptional - and He has a good plan for the church!
Please keep all these things in your prayers during the coming weeks. As always, please don’t hesitate to call or email me or any of the session members, as we would be happy to talk with you.
Know again that I am grateful for all of you!
Grace and Peace,
Mark
