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Upcoming Staff Transitions

Dear Good Shepherd Covenant Partners and Friends,

Greetings! I pray this finds you well.

I hope you have received your invitation and are planning to attend the service and dinner celebrating the ministry of Rev. Dr. Jim Wilson on Sunday, June 28 at 4pm on Good Shepherd's campus. Pastor Jim has faithfully upheld the vows of his ordination, ministering among us "with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love" for nearly fourteen years! For the countless ways he has led our family of faith, we owe him our deepest gratitude. If you haven't yet made plans to attend this celebration, do so today!

I'm writing today to update you on two other upcoming staff transitions, in addition to Jim's retirement. Karen Eckland, our Director of Children's Ministry who has served Good Shepherd since April 2010, is beginning a new chapter this summer in Washington state. Her last day with us will be Thursday, June 18th. Eric Grasmeyer, our Director of Modern Worship who has led our 10:45am gathering through the past year, has decided to step away from worship leading for a season. His last day with us will be Sunday, June 28th. Please be sure to communicate your appreciation for both Karen and Eric's ministry next time you see them!

It's only natural to ask whether these staff departures are connected to our recent denominational or pastoral transitions - they are not. I have specifically - and repeatedly! - asked both Karen and Eric whether our church's denominational or pastoral transitions have had any impact in their decisions and both have assured me that is not the case. Still, change is difficult - especially since both Karen and Eric are such gifted and integral members of our staff.

On Tuesday night, our Session unanimously approved current Children's Ministry Assistant Michelle Heath to serve as Interim Director of Children's Ministries beginning Monday, June 15th. Michelle will continue arranging childcare alongside her new responsibilities. Worship at our 10:45am gathering will be led by covenant partners and friends of Good Shepherd until a permanent replacement is interviewed by a search team and approved by Session.

If you have questions related to these two transitions, a Town Hall meeting will be held this Sunday at 10am in Zirbel Hall, where we'll have chance to discuss these matters further.

Thank you for your continued partnership in the ministry of the gospel through Good Shepherd!

Grace and Peace,
Curtis

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