July 10, 2016
Dear members and friends of Genesee Lutheran Parish,
The last few years have brought our congregation ever closer together. As new opportunities arise to serve, we are humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to share those opportunities with such a selfless, motivated and talented church family. There are only a couple of things we can count on in life. Two of those being God’s Love and change. We live in awe of God’s Love and count on it to address the changes in our lives. Pastors have a season of service and leadership with congregations and our pastor of 10 years and brother Dave has been called to serve another congregation. We will address this change with the same faith and reliance on God’s Love and guidance as we would any other challenge. Below, Pastor has written a description of the call and process and their family's decision.
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Boise, Idaho has extended an offer of call, asking me to become their next pastor. After much thought and prayer, Careen and I have decided to accept the call. We love Genesee and would continue to love it, and all of you, if we stayed. It feels like after ten years, this congregation needs a new voice. You have expressed so many gifts over the last decade. New perspective and energy will allow you to express them in different, exciting ways. Moving to Boise will also allow Careen to be closer to her family, especially since her father has been ill. Most of all, Shepherd of the Valley is looking for the kind of guidance that Genesee was ten years ago. It feels like we’re called to provide that guidance.
We will continue to serve in Genesee through the remainder of the summer. Worship and other church activities will continue well beyond, of course. In fact, we’ll need everybody to pitch in while the congregation goes about the joyous task of calling your new pastor. God’s Spirit lives in and through the work of this congregation and will continue to do so.
We are blessed with an energetic and motivated group to lead us through the next steps and the church council is working closely with pastor Dave in preparation for this transition. If you have any questions please reach out to any of the church council members. If you feel called to be part of the process and would like to learn how you can contribute to our path forward please let us know as well! As always, we maintain that the church is a vessel to worship, but just as importantly, to spread the good news about God’s love for all, and to serve others in any way we are called. Through this transition that mission remains unchanged. Thank you for your continued fellowship and support. We are looking forward to the new opportunities to serve that lie ahead and the time, talents and treasures that will surface to support our congregation.
Blessings,
John Marone
Genesee Lutheran Parish Council President
208-874-3197
