Did you know that I am not planning to retire when I turn 65 in March? I still feel called to serve as your Senior Pastor. I am still enthusiastic to serve as your Senior Pastor. I remain thankful to have the health and energy to fulfill this role. I feel a sense of responsibility and excitement to continue to do my part to position Friedens UCC for a vital future in an era of declining religious affiliation. We have been taking some positive steps forward in that regard, and I believe Christ is at work among us to fulfill a vision for greater impact that will prepare the way for the next chapter of leadership and ministry.

Of course, you also have a responsibility to discern if I should remain as your Senior Pastor for a few more years. I serve at God’s call and at your pleasure. We are congregationally organized. The congregation shares in determining clergy leadership.

I invite your prayerful discernment. If you feel our partnership should continue, then I invite you to join me in a spirit of renewed faith and energy to fulfill the vison Christ is giving us to secure a vital future for Christ’s mission in the community through the disciples and ministries of Friedens Church. If not, you have the freedom and responsibility to speak your truth at a congregational meeting. This is the way our United Church of Christ functions to ensure health and well-being in leadership.

I am grateful for our three decades together and I look forward to our years ahead continuing to work together to share the love of Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Marc