Dear ones,

I want to acknowledge the profound journey we are on together. Our decision to leave the ELCA for the LCMC is a significant step, one that brings with it a myriad of emotions and challenges – for all of us. Some of us are hopeful, others are anxious. Some of us are excited, others are concerned. Some of us are full of sadness, others joy. The gift of the Spirit is one that ties us all together in unity, not uniformity. Meaning, we can be a church that feels many things at any given time. The question is, will we lean in together to the unifying work of the Spirit? This is my prayer for all of us.

Reflecting on our recent meetings and my call with the Bishop, I am reminded of the complex nature of such transitions. The discrepancies in our discussions – from my meeting with the Bishop to the handling of Jake’s call process to the outline of Monday night’s meeting – have made it clear that this is a messy and uncomfortable journey. None of it feels good, yet change is necessary, especially when the Spirit is leading.

In times like these, I often find solace in the story of Moses. He too led through constant change, and it was never easy. From the highs of the exodus to the lows of wandering in the wilderness, he faced skepticism, complaints, and even rebellion. Yet, he persevered, guided by his unwavering faith in God’s plan. I pray we do the same. Change is never easy, and navigating difficult change is not unprecedented for the people of God.

If I may, let me remind us that even amidst this change, so much remains the same. Every Sunday, we will continue our tradition of incredible worship, diving into the scriptures, and fostering community in our cafe. Our students will still gather, mission trips will be planned, and our cherished events like Light up the Night will go on. We remain committed to being a church that is for Jesus, for all people, for families, for those with disabilities, for our community, and for the world. Our roots in worship, prayer, and the Lutheran tradition will continue to anchor us.

As we navigate this change, I’ve delved into countless resources on organizational leadership and change management. I could write essays on everything I have learned about navigating change. But that’s not what I want to share in this letter. As your pastor, I am interested in how we, as a community, navigate this change. 

We must lean into prayer, we must fast, and resist the devil’s attempts to sow discord through gossip or false information. Let’s assume positive intent in each other, actively participate in our church’s life, see conflict as a growth opportunity, foster a spirit of adaptability and resilience, focus on our spiritual growth, and celebrate what God is doing in our midst.

I love you deeply and want nothing but for our church to flourish. The main thing will always remain the main thing – Jesus is King, Jesus is Lord, we are his people, and in the end, the light always wins. 

From my heart,

Pastor Tara Beth Leach