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Dear Friends in Christ at Shepherd of the Hills,
We have been on quite an adventure together in God's grace for over nineteen years. From Westbridge, to Natural Bridge, to portable church and now to Cypress, or journey with Jesus and with one another has included the full range of ups and downs, twists and turns, and in it all, God has been faithful. We have discovered together that the church is NOT a building, but rather a community of people gathered, nurtured and sent out to participate in God's mission of saving grace in Jesus our Lord. I am truly grateful to God for the many faithful friends in Christ and partners in mission that I have known and served with at Shepherd of the Hills and within this Metro St. Louis community.
We have now come to a fork in the road. God has opened a pathway to a pastoral call at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in La Salle, Colorado (God indeed has a sense of humor -- Shepherd of the Hills at 600 feet above sea level, and Shepherd of the Valley at 4,700 feet!) They are a small band of believers similar in number as when I first began ministry with SOTH on April 1, 1992. They have a vision to grow to full-time pastoral leadership and expanded congregational ministry, and we have made the commitment to explore those possibilities together as pastor and people.
Sara and I will cherish the memories of serving alongside you and will hold you in prayer -- even as we solicit yours -- in this time of transition and new opportunities. I invite you to join me in claiming the promise Paul lifted up to the church in Philippi: "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
God's grace and peace, joy and justice be with you, now and always
-Pastor Dan |
