Glory to God   

in the Highest and on Earth

                               Peace     Luke 2:14

Dear Friends,

      This Season is filled with hope and joy as we remind ourselves of the profound gift of grace given to us in Jesus Christ.  We love the Christmas story because it speaks volumes about God’s love and intentional presence in every circumstance in our lives.  Even a poor couple under Roman occupation could find the saving presence of God in the birth of their child.  We tend to be quite sentimental about the birth story but its real truth is that life brings transition, change and uncharted waters.  The Good News of the Gospel is that God is always with us, quietly working out greater plans that are in store for us.

I am now into my sixth year at First Presbyterian and I rejoice in the ways God has used this congregation and the gifts of its members to offer Christ to others as we have addressed human hurts and hopes.  I have had the opportunity to work with many volunteers who have wisely and thoughtfully helped in the leadership of this congregation.  I celebrate all of the changes we have accomplished administratively and pastorally.  But, I have also grown increasingly aware over the past few years that a different future might be in store for this congregation.  Co-Ministry was important for a time because it afforded the opportunity to provide a time of healing and stability and to make essential changes in the system.  In the process of carrying out Co-Ministry in the day to day routine, however, we have discovered that there is some duplication of work.  The longer two ministers are in one place the more we both desire to be pastors in situations.  It’s hard not to show up for someone’s funeral, for example, even if you are not the officiating minister.  Co-Ministers end up at many similar events and programmes.  This is a wonderful problem in the sense that both ministers are deeply loved and appreciated, but it does not necessarily mean the best use of time.  Sharing the service on a Sunday is great for a diversity of experience, but again it is not necessarily the best use of ministerial expertise. 

It has also been a growing concern of mine and others that we have not been able to give ongoing, intentional ministry to our younger families and youth.  In an ideal world, we could stand to have two ministers and a full-time programme staff person.  In reality, we are about to launch into a large financial campaign.  In my opinion, we cannot afford to wait to do a better job of ministering to our youth and young families.  In the early Fall, I indicated my vision to Tim and then to the Session for a different staffing configuration.  Session has since introduced the idea for consideration to the congregation.  Copies of potential new job descriptions can be found in the Welcome Centre at the church.  Alongside this vision was my sense that it was time for me to move closer to family and be able to rest my toothbrush in one place.  St. Andrew’s, Orillia has been pursuing me for a time so I agreed to explore God’s will.  The signs have been so clear that I can do no other than answer this as a gospel call.  In the meanwhile, I know that creates change and transition not only for me but for all of us.

I have no doubts, as God was with Mary and Joseph that first Christmas night with all of its seeming difficulties and unknowns, so God is with First Presbyterian Church as you continue to explore the best ministerial configuration for the next several years.  In the end, you may choose something different than what Session is now proposing but the secret will be seeking what is best not for any one person but for the greater good of the congregation and its future priorities. 

I cannot tell you how much I will miss this congregation.  There are so many wonderful people who are loving, generous and open-minded.  God will continue to use you mightily in the name of Jesus Christ.  Thank you for the chance to have ministered here in your midst.  It has truly been an honour.

Rev. Karen Horst