home > transitions
Transitions
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in Me”
(John 16:33).
These words were first spoken by Jesus during a challenging transition time, hours before he died on the cross. He was concerned for his disciples who were saddened by news that he was “going away” (John 14:1). It was a type of staff transition time. Jesus was departing for his heavenly Father to send his Spirit to live inside the hearts of his disciples. Jesus, who had lived with his disciples for three years, would no longer be with them in the normal and comfortable ways. They didn’t realize that this was necessary for the surprise that God wanted to give them – his spiritual presence living inside them. Not only for them but for us who believe in him. The disciples were sad when Jesus announced his impending departure. Yet they could not see the positive change in the future. God was busy doing some wonderful things and it was all a part of His plans.
Many of us can relate to the disciples’ sad feelings as we say “good bye” to some wonderful staff members. Marcelo Urias has been our Director of Music and Arts for a little over two years, and what an impact he has made by sharing his incredible musical gifts with us. We have been changed. His faith has inspired many and has helped to deepen our worship life. We are sad but certainly excited for him as he and his family move to Knoxville, Tennessee to minister at Cokesbury United Methodist Church. We know that he will carry a bit of Grace with him!
With Marcelo’s departure comes the loss of Margareth’s ministry as the Director of the Children’s Choir and Music Academy Artistic Director. Margareth has helped establish our Grace Music Academy which we believe is one of the finest in the area. We are excited to build upon the great foundation she has laid. At the same time, we know that the Children’s Choir and the Tuesday Night Bible Club will truly miss her! She has made a great difference in the lives of all our children.
Along with the Urias’ departure is the end of Pastor Jeff Nehrbass’ interim ministry at Grace. Although Pastor Jeff has been with us only eight months, he has made a big difference! Everyone who has met him has appreciated his warm, caring spirit and enthusiasm. He has helped support and grow the Catechism and Year of Discernment Ministries during a time of evaluating and envisioning a stronger youth ministry at Grace. The youth have appreciated his creative lessons and fun approach to faith. At the same time Pastor Jeff’s impact has been felt in worship and the wonderful sermons he has given. He has done a great job and we give thanks for the gifts he has shared with us.
As we say “good bye” to wonderful staff, we also rejoice for the new staff God is bringing to Grace. First is Pastor Chris DeGraff who will serve as Lay Pastor of Discipleship and Stewardship. Chris is married to Cathy and they have two children: Kyle who will be a freshman at Concordia College and Kaylie who is presently touring with Up With People. Pastor Chris has worked in various non-profit agencies in his career: Minnesota Zoo Foundation, Library Foundation of Hennepin County, Indiana 4-H Foundation, and the Up With People organization. Most recently he has been Pastor of Stewardship at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove. Pastor Chris is a “people person” and is naturally gifted in getting people involved and excited about using their gifts (monetary and spiritually) in ministry. We are thankful that God has brought him to Grace.
Another welcome we want to extend is to two staff members already here! We are pleased to announce that Kim DeVries and Lisa Norbeck have agreed to be Co-Directors of Children Ministries for this next year. Both have a great amount of experience in all the areas of our present Children’s Ministries. Their primary duties will be Church School, Tuesday Bible Club, Vacation Bible School and Infant/Toddler Ministries. We are truly blessed with the gifts Lisa and Kim bring.
Interviewing continues for our Director of Youth Ministries. We are hoping to have this new staff person on board by the end of June or early July.
Please continue to pray for the Youth Ministry Task Force and the newly formed Director of Music Search Team as they begin looking for a person to help direct our music ministries.
It is comforting to realize that although the disciples had no idea what God was doing when Jesus announced his impending departure, God was at work. Obviously there were difficult moments for the disciples filled with anxiety and doubt. That’s true of any moment when there is change and loss. Yet the disciples could not imagine what the Holy Spirit would bring to each of them. They could not begin to comprehend Pentecost and the birth of the church. But they certainly experienced a great joy when it happened! So too, for us at Grace for God is at work here. He is doing some wonderful things. He has great plans for us. As we say both “good bye” and “welcome” let us trust the great surprises God has for us all.
Submitted by Pastor Mark