“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

My Beloved CtK Partners,

There is no easy way to share this news, except the season has come for me to say I have accepted a new call to be Associate to the Bishop, Director of Transitions. Please know I love all of you very much and I love CtK! Honestly, there is no other place like it! It has been an honor and a privilege to share ministry with. We have laughed and cried and everything in-between. Truly, I have been wrestling with God, while discerning what’s next. Then at 5am I read that our Associate to the Bishop, Director of Transitions, Asher O’Callaghan was resigning his call because his spouse was offered a position at Wartburg Seminary. As I read the news, a thought crossed my mind that I had never considered. Would I? Could I? Possibly be called to this position? A spark ignited in my Spirit, which led to conversations with my colleague group and counselor, and then the Bishop. This position checks a lot of boxes for new challenges and ministry in the Church. To walk alongside congregations in transition and to help rostered ministers find a match in ministry, is where God is calling me. I am reminded that ministry of the church is not about me, but about following where God calls us. I wish you Godspeed in your faith journey and CtK’s ministry journey!

For some this is unexpected and difficult news to take in. I wish I could share this news with everyone in person, one-on-one. But there are not enough hours in a day or a week to do that. This letter will have to suffice. So, what is next?

First, I will be with you this weekend for worship before my long planned three-week vacation begins. I will return to the office on July 21, and we will have some time together for Chapel on the Lakes, July 23, worship on July 27, and the final Sunday on August 3 for our annual church picnic.

Second, the CtK Council & Personnel Team will be responsible and helpful to lead the congregation through this process. Please be patient, faithful, open to how God is working in and through you and this ministry of CtK.

I hope that you can rejoice with me as we conclude a wonderful season we have shared together. God will show us the splendor that awaits in a new season as we move forward.

Christ’s Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Nate