A note to our church family and friends...

 

There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens:
Ecclesiates 3:1

Since this was announced last night at youth group, and because we want to avoid an unneccessary rumors or spin...

At Season's End...

I've been thinking quite a bit about the changing seasons of our lives lately.  Due to the recent budget cuts at church, we've had to make some decisions that are going to affect not only our immediate family, but our extended family, our church family and Tom's ministry.  I feel very much as if we are coming to the end of a season.

In mid-January, Tom will be leaving his position as high school ministries director at First United Methodist Clermont and we'll be moving home to California.

Without a job waiting for us.

We've always known that youth ministry was a stop in Tom's journey to adult minsitries.  That's been confirmed to him over and over...through the Bible basics classes for adults he developed and taught several years ago...through so, so many adults at church and their encouragement after he each time he shared God's Word from the pulpit...through his seminary professors and their words and support. 

Tom has been an exceptional youth leader, one who has always held students to a higher standard than most and who has never taught at a typical youth pastor level.  But we've always known that youth ministry wasn't the stopping point, just a part of the journey.  It's also been made abundantly clear that Tom would not be allowed to take any step into adult ministries at our current church. 

We've known in our hearts that God has been preparing something new for us for at least the past year, but we'd truthfully hoped He'd have it in place before we had to make this sort of decision.  

When Tom was told several weeks ago that his position was being cut to part-time and his benefits were being cut completely in 2011 , we knew it was time to make the hard decisions.   We've known for a few months that we would lose our house due in part to the pay changes we've experienced in this last year.  We've cut our budget and cut our budget until there is nothing left to cut.  Without having direct family support and involvement we know it's not possible for me to work outside the home, especially during the winter when Caleb is so prone to bronchitis.  

It's been over 16 years since Tom began in youth ministry, and in that time he's served at a total of 3 churches in a position that generally turns over every two years or so.  He's been able to build some incredible ministries, and has learned so much that will translate into whatever this next role is that God is planning for him.  A good youth pastor isn't about events and numbers - they're about actively engaging, shaping, and encouraging young people at a time in their lives when nothing seems stable.  They're transparent in their faith and their lives, accountable to God's word and not afraid to reach into a society that constantly works to undermine God and try to change it.   I'm pretty sure those are all desirable traits and even more necessary for pastoring  in other roles as well.

In 16 years, we've watched as youth culture changed rapidly.  Families have become more unstable and world focused, culture has become more predatory.   We pray for the current and next generation of youth pastors, but we look forward to what more directed ministry to parents and adults can accomplish.

Tom starts his last semester of seminary in January.   For the past five years, he's worked so hard to balance full time ministry, nearly full time school and full time dad.  He's been in paid ministry since he was 20, and volunteer before that.  It's time for a sabbatical of sorts...though I do admit, I'd have preferred a paid one.   

 For now, the plan is simple.  We're hoping to leave Florida on January 15th and arrive in California about 5 days later.  Tom's Mom was already coming to spend the holidays with us, and decided to buy a one way ticket so she can make the drive across with us.  Uncle Tim is coming to help Tom drive the moving truck.  My parents are opening their home to us, going so far as to build an bedroom in the garage for my youngest brother so that our kids don't have to share a bedroom (which will be worth the work, I'm more than certain). 

There is no job in place, or really even on the horizon at this point.

I am terrified to leave.  I tear up at the thought of leaving the dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, that God has brought to us over the past nearly six years.  The uncertainty of where the road leads before us, the fear that comes with that.   Through this entire journey, through anxiety and fear and unknowing, I have not wavered in the knowledge that this is the road ordained by God for our family.  

"God never witholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call good. God's refusals are always merciful- "severe mercies" at times but mercies all the same. God never denies us our hearts desire except to give us something better."

Elisabeth Elliot

But...

there are nephews and a niece...

and grandparents and great-grandparents...

and our siblings...

emotional and spiritual support...

the opportunity for the kids to attend the same schools I did growing up...

a time to rest...

a time to heal...

a time to seek God's will...

and a God who walks beside us always...

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 

"Lord, make my way prosperous not that I achieve high station, but that my life be an exhibit to the value of knowing God."
Jim Elliot

 

Comments

[Bretts Mom]

With a Deep dichotomy of emotion years ago we bid you farewell. And with a deep dichotomy of emotion we now bid you WELCOME!!

[Samantha Widlund]

Thank you, Brett's Mom =)

[Kathy George]

Hi Samantha! We will be praying for you as you move forward in faith. God won't let you down! If He has a plan, He will lead you to fulfilling it.

It will be wonderful to have you back on the West Coast, but I know how difficult it is to leave beloved friends. Their friendship and love will always bless you, even from across the country!

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Love,
Kathy

[Samantha Widlund]

Thanks, Aunt Kathy! We are so looking forward to being back on that other coast.