A New Chapter, A New Season

Last Wednesday night I delivered the most difficult piece of communication of my life. I announced to our high school students that my family and I will be leaving Presbyterian Church of the Master in August, after over five years of ministry there. Chapters close and chapters open. I spoke from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. There is a season for everything. My time as High School Director has been a season of dreams, joys, accomplishments, failures, and more. I think it has been a good season for the high school ministry too. Wednesday night (and in the weeks to come) was a time to grieve, a time to remember, a time to be thankful, a time to ask questions, and a time to renew commitments to Jesus Christ. A new season is coming for PCOM as they search for a new High School Director and a new season is approaching for our family as we move to Princeton for a year of study, reflection, and everything else that comes with immersed seminary life as a family. I am completing my Master of Divinity at Fuller Seminary in June and I have been given an opportunity to take one additional year of focused study to earn a Master of Theology in the department of Practical Theology, concentrating in Preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary on the campus of Princeton University.  We're in it for much more than the academic knowledge for me, although that is the focal piece. It will be an adventure for us, a time for us to solidify our familial relationships, see a different part of the country, establish relationships with other future pastors and families (increasing our connection with PCUSA), reflect on our sense of call to ministry and focus on areas of spiritual self-care. And it will also be a time for us to grow in our ability to trust God with what comes next. We don't know what the future holds (although we would like to think that we will return to this area). We are excited for what lies ahead and very sad to say goodbye. Here is a copy of a letter I wrote to the families of the high school students: Download farewell_letter.doc . 

Comments

[Daniel]

Praise the Lord Chris! What an amazing adventure and door the Lord has opened for you. Just remember to buy yourself a 5/4/3 for those frosty jersey dawn patrols.

[Kelsey Wank]

Chris, I'm so sad to see you, Devon and the girls go but I'm so excited for you all to experience this new chapter of your lives. You will be in our thoughts and prayers always!

[Chris Pritchett]

Thanks, Kelsey. You are far too mature for your years (that's a good thing!). You are one who makes this decision so difficult for us. We love being part of your life and we'll miss you very much. But I know we'll remain in contact while we're gone. Thanks for your prayers