Godspeed

A hearty THANK YOU to you CtK and to many of you who have said “Yes” to the call to serve and share in some way in the ministry at CtK! Thank you for risking, trusting, and for all the reasons you could have said “No,” but you didn’t! CtK is better for it. I am better for it. Our community and world are better for it! Thank you for your grace that you have extended to me when I have messed up and for the many words of encouragement you have shared along the way. They have helped fuel my call and carry me through difficult moments of ministry. I am grateful for you and the countless prayers shared to sustain our ministry together.

Where has 10 years gone? When I look back – my hair wasn’t gray, I weighed less, and many of you have grown so much! In 10 years, we have gone through a capital campaign, building renovation, installed digital worship, and shared a generous gift to the community that was matched more than 6-fold! We have welcomed new staff and a shift from having an associate pastor to a solo pastor model. We overcame the pandemic and have put into practice our love of all people through the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) program to welcome all people as Jesus did/does. We are not perfect by any means, but we strive for the Kingdom’s goal. We have shared in a sabbatical, internship, revisioning CtK’s direction 2x, and welcomed events to our parking lot like Ruby’s Pantry and Bike to the Beat. CtK, you are amazing, like having an active faith formation program and youth group, adult Bible studies and many small groups. If you haven’t already plugged yourselves into something, I hope you will begin today! You will not be disappointed when you meet and connect with the people of faith at this church.

When I look at the wall of charter member signatures, the aerial pic of CtK in the 80’s, the clown ministry, and of all the pastors who have served CtK, I see greatness. This Church relies on you – past, present, and future. The people who came before us paved the way. The people who are active and present you are making room for future people and ministries. That is the power of God’s love and grace! I am confident God will continue to bring more great people and another great pastor to serve at CtK. At this present time, we just don’t know who? Or when? This is a desirable ministry and place of faith. Be patient! Be kind! Keep the faith! Trust God!

In 10 years you have heard an estimated 400+ sermons and witnessed many funerals, weddings, confirmations, first communions, and baptisms! There have been many one-on-one times, crisis calls, and late-night emergencies. Thank you for making room for me to come minister to your needs or just to listen. It is an honor and privilege to share these sacred moments with you. However, my call now changes from a pastor at CtK to a call as Associate to the Bishop, Director of Transitions for the East Central Synod of Wisconsin. I cannot serve both. You will have an interim pastor and there will be a new pastor you call. Very soon, it will be time to make room for them to be your pastor. To be clear I cannot perform baptisms, funerals, weddings, or share personal counseling with you after I leave. It is a boundary I expect my colleagues to follow when I take a new call and that is an expectation they expect too. My new role with the Synod will keep us connected but in a different capacity. I look forward to serving CtK and many congregations and rostered leaders in this new way. I will continue to pray for you as I do for others. As the transition continues, please make room in your lives to trust a new pastor, love them as you have loved me, and extend them grace in their learning your names and connections.

I will always cherish my time at CtK. Thank you! I am grateful! You are a blessing! God has more for you and for me in our journeys of faith!

“I thank God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you…that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you determine what is best…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:3-11

Christ’s Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Nate