My closing day as pastor of Peace Mennonite Church was yesterday–June 10, 2024. This was (is) a tough goodbye for the entire finest causes. Under is the letter I shared with the Peace neighborhood in final week’s e-newsletter.
Pricey, pricey, Peace Mennonite Neighborhood,
I should not have the phrases to adequately specific my gratitude for all that I’ve obtained from you over the previous 20 years. You launched me to Anabaptism, my theological house. You celebrated with Ryan and me once we adopted James and Jasmine, when Grace was born. You supported my household by means of stunning and tough occasions of child-raising, by means of the deaths of my father-in-law and my father, by means of my mother’s well being challenges these previous a number of years. You taught me easy methods to be a pastor. I’m deeply, deeply grateful on your loving and devoted companionship.
I’m additionally grateful for the devoted work we have now executed collectively within the Lawrence neighborhood and in Mennonite Church USA. Final Sunday morning, Whitney inspired individuals to discover our church archives and stated that the paperwork there confirmed I used to be “gutsy.” In my view, there’s a fairly high quality line between “gutsy” and “oblivious to potential penalties.” However to the extent I’ve been courageous–in advocating for lgbtqia affirmation within the broader church, in opposing an enlargement of the Douglas County Jail–it’s your assist, encouragement, and love that made my courageous work doable. Thanks.
Whereas I’m unhappy to depart, I’m additionally enthusiastic about what’s subsequent for me and what’s subsequent for Peace Mennonite. You’re a wholesome and vibrant congregation with an uncommon quantity of endurance, flexibility, and maturity. I do know that your love, grace, and humor will probably be presents for the pastors to come back, simply as they’ve been presents for me. I do know that your legacy of making peace, working for justice, serving others, caring for creation, and nurturing considerate religion will proceed on in stunning methods.
I really feel so very lucky to have been a part of Peace Mennonite Church for thus a few years. It has been an honor to function your pastor. So in conclusion, I’ll merely say what I hope you have got heard from me time and again: I like you and God loves you. All the time. It doesn’t matter what.
In deepest gratitude,
Pastor Joanna
