A Season of Transition

To my beloved siblings in Christ,

I know the news of Pastor Eric’s new call brings with it many emotions—both around what his departure means for each of us personally and what it means for Peace Lutheran Church as a whole. I also recognize that there is frustration surrounding the privacy of the Synod’s process.

Last year, I attended Synod Assembly, where the theme was Bold and Boundless. Pastor Eric made a bold and boundless choice when he was transparent with Council and other staff members so that we could begin the process of calling our next leader as soon as possible. We are deeply grateful for his continued, unconditional love for this congregation.

I can also share that I have had many conversations with Pastor Eric and have seen firsthand how difficult this decision has been for him. It was not made lightly or in haste. It was not made from anger or boredom in this call. It was truly a calling from the Holy Spirit. And while we have one another to lean on, Pastor Eric will be adjusting to an entirely new community and group of people.

From a personal standpoint, I want each of you to know that it is okay to feel whatever emotions you are experiencing. We have had the gift of loving Pastor Eric for nearly a decade as he has served Peace in various roles. It is completely natural to feel a sense of loss, sadness, or anxiety. It is also valid if you are feeling angry—or even, for some, feeling hopeful or relieved. As your Congregational President, I am not here to judge how you are feeling, and neither is anyone else on Council. We are committed to being a judgment‑free space where you can share openly as we move through this time of grief together.

As many of us have experienced the finality of relationships—through death, the end of a romantic relationship, a friendship, or family estrangement—we know how complicated it can be to lose someone we love. These moments can bring out the best in us, but sometimes also the worst. I ask that we each examine how we are expressing our feelings and whether our words and actions support the mission and ministry of Peace Lutheran Church.

If I know one thing for certain, it is this: we all love this community of faith. I love coming to church and seeing all of you each Sunday. I love watching our small but mighty youth grow into responsible and loving young adults. I love knowing that families in our community can turn to Elsie’s Pantry when they need an extra meal. I love our dedicated quilting group, whose work has kept countless people warm and helped them feel cared for. I love that our building provides a space for those embracing recovery or celebrating the beautiful gift of music. I love that we supported a family from Venezuela, and that they know they have a safe and loving place within our walls and our hearts. This is what Peace Lutheran Church is about. We are more than any one individual shepherding us at a given moment.

Council has already been in contact with the Bishop’s office to begin conversations about what comes next in the call process. Please know that we are committed to walking hand‑in‑hand with you on this journey. We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate our own emotions while working closely with the Synod. I promise you that Council is not the enemy—we are doing everything we can to ensure the continued strength and vitality of the community we all love.

Moving forward, I will be working in the church office on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Please watch for a sign‑up for appointments in the weekly newsletter. You are also welcome to stop by; I simply ask for understanding if I am on a work call and you have to wait. I will also communicate any changes to that schedule in there.

Lastly, I’d like to leave you with a quote from one of my favorite teachers—a man who boldly lived God’s love:

“I believe that at the center of the universe there dwells a loving spirit who longs for all that’s best in all creation—a spirit who knows the great potential of each planet as well as each person, and little by little will love us into being more than we ever dreamed possible. That loving spirit would rather die than give up on any of us.”— Fred Rogers

I am not willing to give up on Peace, or on any of you. I believe this is simply the next chapter in our story. With patience, love, work, and prayer, we will continue to be a beacon of strength and hope for one another and for our wider community.

With blessings to all,

Emily Foster