People of Hope:
Today, I give thanks to God for speaking clearly to and through the call committee! You, the Esperanza community, have called your next pastor! At this moment, that pastor is still in the process of sharing the news of their departure with their current congregation, so I must refrain from using their name. However, we look forward with joy and excitement to this new era of ministry at Esperanza!
Of course, this means my time with Esperanza is quickly approaching its end. My last day at Esperanza will be Sunday, Jan. 28, and I will depart Phoenix on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
During the month of February, Esperanza’s worship services will be led by retired pastors who are known and loved by you — my dad, Pastor Glen Stadler, and our dear friend, Pastor Steve Holm. Day-to-day ministry will continue with the leadership of the council and the staff, and this time will give you, the Esperanza community, time to emotionally, spiritually, and in practical terms make space for a new pastor. Welcoming the new pastor may require courage and trust in the Holy Spirit — even though I believe and we believe this pastor to be a good fit for Esperanza.
God will do new things here, and I could not be more excited for you! In fact, at staff meeting today, as we discussed details related to upcoming ministry events and projects, I wanted to say (but didn’t): “Take photos, Deacon Connie, of the Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday so I can see how it works out.” I wanted to say: “Text me, Lynn and Joni, about how Trivia Night goes.” I really want to say to Tom and Chuck, my constitutional review buddies: “Let me know when the constitution changes are finally approved!”
I am invested in the life of this community and have been honored to consider myself one of you. Upon my departure, however, we get to practice new boundaries together. After Jan. 28, I will no longer serve as the interim pastor of Esperanza, which means I will no longer be officiating at funerals here, no longer baptizing children here, no longer making pastoral visits here. For a time, we will have to refrain from communication — in order to allow space for the new pastor to create relationships with all of you and in order for me to create relationships with the people of the new congregation I will serve. Please help me, this whole community, and the new pastor by honoring this boundary.
These 14 months I have served you have been filled with joy, connection, and growth — both for me and, I think, for you. I feel blessed by meeting and getting to know each of you; thank you for sharing yourselves with me. I am filled with gratitude for your openness to trying new things, especially during Faith in Motion. Serving you has enriched my life and, in particular, my capacity to serve the church. I give thanks to God for you!
With love,
Pastor Sarah