A New Season at UPC

You may have heard me say there is a new season of growth at UPC. How exciting! Yet with a new season comes new leadership. And it’s time for new leadership at UPC.

Soon I’ll be leaving UPC and making room for another.

The Scriptures teach us that one plants and another waters, but God causes the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). What a joy it’s been to lend my own hand in cultivating the garden at UPC!

Yes, there’ve been challenges. Rain and floods and wind. But all along you and I have been sowing and watering and loving and – most of all – sharing the good news of Jesus.

And God has caused growth. Together we’ve grown younger. Together we’ve grown more ethnically diverse. Together we’ve grown in biblical orthodoxy. And together we’ve gone next door and found our love for neighbors has grown.

Now another hand in mine is gently tugging me away. Into another season of ministry elsewhere. Yes, I resist this. (I’m stubborn.) I love you. I’m proud to be your pastor. I’m eager to join Jesus in all he’s doing in and through you.

But I’ve learned to trust this hand.

Over the past 17 years I’ve said “no” to many invitations. Now it’s time to say “yes.” To serving other communities. To teaching. To writing. And to family.

But I will never forget you. Never.

You’ve become family too. They say it’s not the preacher that grows a congregation; it’s the congregation that grows a preacher. So true. Your fruit in my life is imperishable. Sown with giggles and tears and warm words of friendship.

So this is a love note. And a thank you note. And a note of encouragement.

My last Sunday as your senior pastor will be July 13, 2025.

We’ll have time to say ‘goodbye,’ but let’s not be too sad. Instead let’s take one another’s hand and place it in the hands of our living Savior. He can be trusted. For an abundance of fruit and harvest and growth.

Because he is the greatest of gardeners. And you and I ever remain in his hands.

Warmly,

George