About that job….

Since the church newsletter got mailed over the weekend, and I’ve had the chance to tell my youth group kids, I thought I should let the World Wide Web in on the news. And because I’m heading to a meeting in 10 minutes, I’m simply copying-and-pasting the article I wrote for the church newsletter.

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Hi.

I have absolutely no idea how to begin this article. I never write articles anymore. I write emails & blog posts, but not articles. So, I’ll just tell you why I’m writing this and get it over with, okay? Deep breath….Go….

I will be leaving my position as youth pastor at Grimes UMC and joining the staff at Camp Wesley Woods in Indianola, Iowa, as the Program Director. (Or, “Chris’ job” if you attended CWW last summer.)

Whew! That’s over. Let’s get into the questions you probably have now, mmkay?

Why am I doing this? For lots of reasons. One reason is the gifts and talents this position at CWW requires seems to match the gifts and skills God has given me. Another big, big reason is because the timing is good for me personally. With my (sister’s) family expanding (did you know I get to be an aunt?), I’m going to want to travel on weekends a bit more than working at a church will allow. One more reason is the chance for a new challenge. I’ve been at Grimes UMC since August 2002. We started with 15 kids that met twice a month and have been blessed to watch it grow to a volunteer-driven, multiple-meetings during the week, mission-tripping monster.

Perhaps the reason that gave me the most peace about this decision is that things are going well at Grimes UMC and I’m not worried about what will happen when I leave. Let me repeat that: things are going well. In fact, I think the youth ministry department is primed and ready for someone with a heart and passion for teenagers to step in and build Sweet & Aweful into a fantastic Sunday morning experience. The Wednesday night youth group is going well and is in the more-than-capable hands of the adults who help out. The high school students are taking on more and more responsibility within the ministry and will be able to step up as needed. And the junior high kids can go on being themselves: awesome and energetic as ever.

When does all this happen? We’re still working on that. Before the summer staff for Camp Wesley Woods arrives for training in the middle of May. There’s not an exact date yet.

I’m extremely grateful that God allowed me to work with this church for as long as He did. I’m thankful that so many of you invited me into your family and this community. In Luke 2:48, the word ‘astonished’ is used to describe what Mary & Joseph felt towards Jesus when they finally found Him after He’d gone missing for 3 days. I’ve learned that ‘astonished’ is what we get from the Greek word which actually means “being overwhelmed with joy, wonder, and fright.” That’s how I’m feeling right now. Overwhelmed with joy at being given a new opportunity to spread God’s Kingdom in a new setting. Overwhelmed with wonder at the gift I’ve been given to work with you. And I’m overwhelmed with fright because dealing with the unknown is downright terrifying. I know God is already taking care of me, but—moment of confession—it’s still a bit scary. If you’re willing, I’d like to request that you pray for me in my transition as I continue to pray for this congregation in your transition.

My job is changing. My ministry is not. I’m still working with students. My heart is with students and now gets to expand to college-aged kids as well as junior high and high school students.  My cell phone number and email are staying the same. I’m still going to be on Twitter and Facebook and all those social media outlets. You won’t get rid of me that easily.

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That’s my news. What’s new with you?

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