Below is what Justin (our Family Life pastor) shared at the end of our morning worship, then what Katie (Our Pastoral Relations team chair) shared as well. Please let me know your questions and keep our church in your prayers as we seek what is next...
Dear PRC and SMC Church Family,
It was June of 2014 when I started my journey at
Smithville Mennonite Church as a young pastor and newlywed. Emily and I came
with much excitement, following the leading of God, as He made it abundantly
clear that this is where He was calling us to serve. You journeyed with us
through some of the most difficult times of our lives and joined us in
welcoming Zayne and Macy to our family. We have been through a lot
together.
God has done so much at a church level in the 8
½ years we have been at SMC. We have seen baptisms; children, youth, and family
ministry have blossomed; and you have allowed me to discover and strengthen the
gifts God has instilled in me.
Following God’s leading, I submit my resignation
and plan to end my time of service at Smithville Mennonite Church on March 3,
2023. During my time at SMC, God has strengthened my giftings in the areas of
administration, teaching, and encouragement and has grown my passion to use
these gifts. It brings me joy to use my gift of administration to take care of
behind-the-scenes details and to resource volunteers to succeed in their
ministries.
God has led me to an opportunity at Fairlawn
Mennonite Church as their Director of Administration, which matches my skill
set, passions, and gifts perfectly. He has directed me to accept the call
Fairlawn has extended to me.
We truly cherish each one of you, from those we
have known from our start at SMC to new friendships recently formed. This
church family has been and will continue to be close to our hearts because you
have journeyed with us through some of the darkest days of our lives and
celebrated with us in our joys. We want you to know that Smithville Mennonite
Church will always feel like home to our family. We pray that God will continue
to bless you as you faithfully serve Him. We love you all!
Following
His Lead,
Justin
Smith
A response from PRC to Justin’s resignation,
We know this is surprising news and probably brings up a lot
of emotions. The elders and pastor relations team are grieving the loss of
Justin from our pastoral staff, but we are also filled with hope and faith that
the Holy Spirit is already way ahead of us, both in this next chapter of
Justin's ministry, and also in next steps for Smithville Mennonite Church.
We have already seen specific ways that God is moving and
clearly working. Our three goals are to bless and love the Smith family as they
follow God's calling, to seek God's direction for our church with all our
hearts, and to make the transition moving forward as smooth as possible.
There are a lot of
questions that will need to be answered, and we do not have all of those
answers yet, but please know that we will communicate with you at each step. We
are committed to listening and waiting on the Lord to lead. Right now, we are
asking each of you to fill the Smiths with your love, care and blessings, and
pray that we as a church will clearly see and follow God's direction. Thank you
for your prayers and support.
Katie Immel, PRC chair
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