04/12/2021
Hi everyone, below is a copy of the letter Pastor Tyler sent to the congregation last week.
Friends in Christ,
For the last five and a half years, I have had the honor, privilege, and joy in coming alongside you all to be your pastor. During that time, we have joined together in the ministry and calling that God has for each of us. I cannot be thankful enough for the opportunities that I have been given to walk with you through moments of joy, sorrow, worry and all the other emotions that we face in our lives. Also, I cannot be thankful enough for the ways that you have loved, supported and cared for my family and I throughout this time.
Over the last year, I have begun to sense a call to discern what was next for me and for this church. After countless prayers, times of discernment, and many conversations it is time for me to end my call as being your pastor. The reasons for which are many, some I am happy to share with you all and some I cannot, but most importantly it is to follow where God is leading my family and I into the future. To that end, I have accepted an appointment to serve as a Chaplain on Active Duty with the United States Air Force. My last Sunday serving as your pastor will be the 16th of May. After which, my family and I will spend the next few weeks preparing to pack up our home and move.
On Tuesday, April 6th, I went before session to begin the process of ending my call to be your pastor. As part of the process for this to happen, a congregational meeting will need to be held to formally dissolve my call and elect representatives to attest to it before the presbytery. The meeting will take place immediately following worship on Sunday, April 25th, 2021. You will be able to join this meeting in-person or virtually, through Zoom.
Though times of transition can be filled with unknowns the words of Deuteronomy 31 come to mind that say “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” It is because of this that I am confident in the future that God has for both of us. However, in this time of transition, I will be praying for you all and would ask that you do the same for my family and me.
As our time together comes to an end, I am reminded of all the memories I will take with me. From worshipping together and joining in all the moments the highlight our communal life together, to joining in Bible studies, Chi-Rho and VBS, to even grieving alongside you and walking through the worries of life. I am deeply humbled and awe-struck that this has been my calling to serve with you all, for which I can only say, praise be to God!
In closing, I will leave you with the words that I have so many times before. May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord be kind and gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace for this day and unto ages of ages! Amen!
In Christ,
Rev. Tyler J. Bayless
