Dear Trinity Church,
This will be my last month with you. It is bittersweet. I celebrate the last seven years that we've spent together, and the good work we've done in Jesus' name - even through a pandemic. And I will miss you all!
I ask your forgiveness for any mistakes and shortcomings on my part, and I thank everyone who has supported me and my ministry with words, prayers, and actions. One message I've tried to instill in you during my ministry at Trinity is to not be afraid, and to trust God. That's what I'm doing. I don't have a new job lined up. I'm going back to school, will be working as a volunteer, and pursuing a career change. I believe that's where God is calling me, so I'm not afraid. I trust that God will lead me where God needs me.
I hope you will do the same: Trust God and don't be afraid. Of course it's unsettling not to know who your next pastor will be. But it's also an opportunity for you to discern where God is leading Trinity. What gifts and skills will you want your next pastor to have? What does the wider community need? You get to decide, with God's guidance.
May these be my famous last words: Trust God, not money. Trust God, not budgets or numbers. In times of anxiety that's what we go back to: We want to hold on to what feels safe and secure. But it's a false security, and it operates out of fear. There's no future in that. God alone holds the future.
God says to you, "Truly I know the plans I have for you; plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) So trust God, and don't be afraid. Be open for God's guidance, and don't be afraid. Be brave. All will be well. Can I get an "Amen?"
I probably won't be able to say goodbye to each of you individually. I hope many of you will be able to attend my final worship service on August 21. I will be in the office through August 24th, and at Brilla Coffee on Wednesday mornings. Please reach out if you'd like to speak to me.
According to the Code of Ethics for both the UCC and ABC churches, I will need to cut ties with all members of Trinity after my departure, in order for you to be able to move forward in a healthy way. Please understand that I cannot keep in touch with any of you. This includes Social Media, so I will be unfriending and unfollowing all individuals affiliated with Trinity. This is nothing personal. It's a matter of principle. It will be better for everyone, even though initially, it will be hard. We will always care for and pray for each other, and stay connected in this way!
I wish Trinity Church, and all of you, nothing but the best. I trust that God will continue to bless and guide you.
With love and gratitude,
Pastor Valeria.
