Pastor Chris' Letter February 2019


Dear Trinity,

This last couple of weeks have been very difficult for my family and me. As you may know, it was announced on Sunday, January 27th that Bishop Trimble, the bishop of the Indiana United Methodist Church, has appointed me to another church as of July 1st of this year. I want to tell you personally that this came as a shock to our family. I did not request a move and the church did not request a move. However, a part of my call to ministry involves the itinerant (moving of pastors) system. Our Conference Superintendent Dave Neckers and Bishop Julius Trimble know my talents and gifts very well and upon much prayer and discernment felt that another church needed our family at this time. I will miss you all very much. You have become family and I have enjoyed my time walking with you for this part of our journey of faith.
Although I am sad to leave, I must state I have not left yet. I am your pastor until June 30th. I will not be a lame-duck but will continue my ministry with Trinity as my first priority. I look forward to five more months of ministry with you. I know that our Conference Superintendent, Dave Neckers, is working very hard with our leadership team to find Trinity’s next pastor. I hope that you will be in prayer for our Bishop and Conference Superintendent, as well as our leadership team as they work through the appointment process. We should know who will be replacing me in a few weeks (as long as the weather doesn’t go crazy again).
I hope you will join with me as we embrace this time of transition by giving time for grief, change, and cooperation with each other. As I said before, my family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time here and consider this church our family. We will not forget you. You will travel with us wherever God sends us. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Our primary prayer concern during this transition is the continued mission and ministry of Trinity Church which is to share the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in Kendallville. I thank you for all that you do to make this church the church of Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to what God will bring Trinity in the next five months as I finish strong, but I also look forward to where new eyes, leadership, and a heart for God’s ministry can help take Trinity in the future.





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