Gratitude, Thankfulness and Appreciation...

First, for all the care and concern surrounding my broken ankle that I brought home as a souvenir from the Memorial Day Family Retreat in May. The story was supposed to be that I was chasing a bear away from the camp (saving many campers) and fell, but the truth is that I am not as coordinated as I like to think and stepped in a hole, fracturing my right tibia bone at the ankle! Ouch! Thanks to all the attentive campers I was able to conduct worship Sunday morning and then head off for the Emergency Room. To all of you that were there that weekend a special, "Thank You!" for the hugs and ice and flashlight-holding while I hobbled around until Monday. I kept thinking the whole time that this is just one more example of how Trinity folks care for one another!

All these thoughts and more rattle around in my brain as I search to tell you how much all have meant to me over the past two and a half years. From the moment I arrived at Trinity, I have felt grateful for the time and talents that so many of you have shared with me. It was not an easy decision for me to make when I decided to resign my call as Associate Pastor effective June 29th. But it feels like the right decision and I know that God is faithful even in the midst of our human unsettlingly.
              
Many of you are concerned about where I will go and what I will do. I have asked the Bishop of our Synod to consider me for a solo pastor position and he has agreed. The problem is that I am fairly restricted geographically-speaking and would like to interview for a position closer to home in Long Beach. At this time, my name has been submitted to a few openings and I will have to trust that the Lord will guide the process. In the intervening time, I will preach for pastors who go on vacation or for congregations that have no pastor. I will work on some projects for the Synod and may even take a class or two at Cal State Long Beach. I never seem to be at a loss on how to fill my time!

I pray that God will continue to work in the midst of all of our lives as our paths may interconnect again. Thank you for all you have shared with me, taught me, and encouraged in me. Thank you for being the people of God in the life of this Pastor and showing me how God works through you to share the Good News that Jesus has for each of us.

May God bless each of you abundantly,


Pastor Laurie