05/18/2026
Church Family,
Yesterday, Pastor Brian shared with the congregation that he has resigned from his role at the church. I know this news was difficult for many and naturally brings a mixture of emotions and questions. While his last Sunday with us was yesterday, I know he will always be a phone call away for those that want to express their love for him.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for Pastor Brian and his 24 years of faithful ministry. He poured himself into serving this church family and his impact is visible through the many lives he touched. I am thankful for the many ways God has used him to help build and shepherd this church over the years.
One of the greatest blessings of those years was the journey we began just over two years ago when our two congregations united together as one church family. Bringing together two church histories, two groups of people, and two sets of traditions was not always easy, but it has been beautiful to watch God knit us together. We have learned one another’s stories, discovered each other’s strengths, and worked together to build a healthier and stronger congregation centered on Christ. Now, two and a half years later, we have seen God continue to bless this church in incredible ways. So many new families have joined our church since the merger, new ministries have formed, relationships have deepened, and lives have been changed through the work of Christ among us. While seasons of transition can feel uncertain, I firmly believe that God’s is not finished with us yet!
While this transition is difficult, I am also grateful that Pastor Brian will now have the opportunity to move closer to his children and family. My prayer is that this next season of life will be filled with meaningful time together and, hopefully someday, the joy of loving on future grandchildren as well (no pressure on his kids!)
I also want to reassure everyone that my sabbatical will continue as planned. During my time away, our Associate Pastor, Rev. Kristen Slaton, will serve as the lead pastor for the church. I have complete confidence in her leadership, heart for people, and ability to guide the church well during these weeks. She will also have access to a temporary phone number to reach me should any extreme emergency arise while I am away.
I know that with multiple leadership transitions happening close together, some may wonder what the future holds. I want to reassure you clearly that I am not going anywhere. I fully intend to return from this sabbatical renewed, refreshed, spiritually strengthened, and ready to continue leading our church into this next season of ministry together.
As I step away briefly for rest, prayer, and renewal, my heart and prayers will remain with this church family. My prayer is that God would continue to bring unity to our congregation, deepen our love for Christ and one another, and prepare us for whatever He desires to do through this church in the years ahead.
Yesterday in the sermon, I invited you all to join me during my weekly prayer rhythms over the next five weeks. We will send out a weekly email with each specific prayer focus so that together, like the people Esther challenged, we can pray and fast as one united body of Christ as we move into this next season strengthened together!
Christ is still faithful. He is still building His church. And I truly believe some of the most meaningful ministry moments for our congregation are still ahead of us!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Cody Abrahamson
