Dear Brothers & Sisters of Emmanuel Presbyterian:
Over 15 years ago I received a phone call from Clair Inghram, stating that Emmanuel’s pastor Nominating Committee had narrowed their search down to three people, and I was one of the three. Immediately I was very interested to know where Bothell was, for my dossier had gone out all over the western United States. Things moved fairly quickly after that phone call, and I began as Pastor here in February of 1996. Along the way of our transition up here from California we stayed with the Sharp’s and the Matthews’ for brief periods, and I will always remember their hospitality.
The 15 years of my pastorate here at Emmanuel have been the best years of my adult life. I want to thank you for letting me shepherd Emmanuel Presbyterian, and I am deeply grateful for all that you have given God in this place. In giving to God, you have also given to me. I thank you. These past 15 years have built up a lifetime of memories and friendships. Nothing can take those away from us.
Now comes a time of change. Family needs call. Family has always been a high priority in my life. Florence’s mom is 89 now, and our daughters are in California as well. Florence needs to be in closer proximity to her mom now, and what Florence and I do now, we need to do together. We need to move back to California this fall, so I will be resigning as Pastor of Emmanuel Presbyterian, my last Sunday being in September or early October, details to be worked out later. I will be seeking God’s guidance in finding a calling in California.
I firmly believe the future of Emmanuel is bright. We have set the table in a fine way in these last few years, as we have built a beautiful new structure to serve as God’s mission outpost. This building is now occupied 7 days a week with Emmanuel members and friends, people from the community and staff. All generations are here throughout the week, and it is only going to grow. I leave Emmanuel, knowing its’ future is strong. My friends, stay with Emmanuel through all the changes ahead. I believe the changes ahead for us all will be good, and they will be dynamic. God will walk with us.
In the not too distant future you will call a new Pastor. That person will lead you through the next phase of your life as a community of faith. Please prepare your hearts and minds to receive your new pastor, and to welcome his or her pastoral leadership.
We have time, in the next few months, to say goodbye and to share memories and celebrate life together in the community of faith. I plan to focus on 2 main goals while I am still here.
1. I want to fellowship with people in every way I can, just spending time with people.
2. I want to be involved in acts of mercy for people of the church and community in every way I can, reaching out with God’s love, prayer, and assistance in every way possible.
My friends, our life together in God has been good these past 15 years. As we prepare to go our separate ways, let us remember that the next 15 years will also be good, for wherever we find ourselves, we will be living in God.
Peace and love to you all, Pastor Steve