Two Years Go By So Quickly

Hard to imagine it was just 2years ago that we gathered in this spot to begin our time at Trinity.

Here it is. The end. Well, an ending of sorts. Pastors Colin, Rick and I have completed our 2 years in the Transition into Ministry program and now are headed our separate ways into various ministry ventures. There were times when the 2 years seemed to creep and crawl at a snail's pace, but these last few months especially have flown by!

Can't you just see how much we've grown to love each other?!

Since I began two years ago by sharing a bit about each of us on this blog, the boys nominated me to do it again. (They were just lazy and didn't want to do it themselves!)  But seriously, I know that all three of us would like to say THANK YOU to the congregation for a great first call. You have inspired us, befriended us, challenged us, and supported us. You showed us patience when we didn't always seem to know what we were doing, care when we were going through a tough time, and encouragement when we toyed with new ideas and tried new things. To each of our ministry teams-- again, thank you! To the staff-- we were so lucky to get to work with you; thank you for helping make us better pastors! To Pr Lew-- thanks for the humor, the good suggestions of where to eat, and your modeling of faithful and persistent pastoral care. To Pr John-- what can we say? You did a great job picking us! :)  But also, you did a great job leading, listening to, and laughing with us. It was an incredible experience working with you: thanks!  In case you haven't gotten the drift of this message: we are really thankful for everything and everyone! 

So, now you are probably wondering what is in store for all of us. Well, here's a little bit about each of our future plans: 

PASTOR COLIN~

Pastor Colin will be staying in the area with his wife Jeni, who is happily serving as pastor in Glyndon. At the time of this posting, he is awaiting the congregational vote at a nearby church, having already been recommended by Call Committee and Council. He is very excited at the prospect of this new ministry. In the meantime, he will be enjoying some much deserved and anticipated time at his family's lake place. Perhaps he'll even get some golf in.

PASTOR RICK~

Wisconsin beckons for Pastor Rick, Lindsay and Anya. They are moving to Madison, WI, where Lindsay will begin a PhD program in the fall. Pastor Rick's name is in at a couple of congregations there, and he is awaiting interviews with them in the month of August. They're excited to be moving to a place just blocks from the Capitol, in the heart of the city's action! Lots of good parks, coffee shops, and even a Walgreens nearby! As ever, Anya keeps them busy and on the go.

PASTOR ALEXIS~

This city girl is heading back home, to Milwaukee. I am currently awaiting a congregational vote after the Council and Call Committee recommended me for call at a little urban church in the northwest/central part of the city. The hope is that I will start by Sept 1. Until then I am on the go-go-go! Packing and moving here, then a Mission Developer's Training in Seattle, then vacation in upstate NY with my seminary best friends. I'm looking forward to being back in the land of good brats and beer, and my two adorable nephews! 

Again, for welcoming us as three of your own, and for giving us the chance to grow into the delightful and talented pastors you see before you today-- thank you!  Trinity will always hold a special place in our hearts!


In Christ's Love,
Pastors Colin, Rick, and Alexis