Last September I wrote to you and explained that I felt God calling me to serve another congregation. As many of you know, I have accepted the call to serve as pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Bowie, Maryland.

As I have learned in my limited ministry experience, God’s call comes sometimes when we least expect it. Throughout this past year I have realized that God called me at the appropriate time…I was the one that needed to get used to leaving my comfort zone.

God’s call is unpredictable for us. We sometimes don’t hear it or we may ignore it for awhile until we finally have to change our lives to respond to God’s call.

In the Old Testament reading on Trinity Sunday we heard the words of Isaiah’s call. He was ashamed and realized two things: 1) he was in God’s presence and 2) he realized his sin. As the text reminded us, God sent a seraph with a live coal and blotted out Isaiah’s sin. After that, Isaiah heard the Lord asking “who will go for us” and Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me!”

God’s call is unpredictable but opens our lives to a deeper understanding of our relationship with him.

I have enjoyed my time as one of your pastors over the last three years. I am grateful for all of your patience as I have grown into the pastor I am today, and for your support and graciousness for allowing me to leave you to grow more as an individual and as a servant of God.

Thank you for all of the wonderful ways you have demonstrated God’s love to me and to my family! May God bless you always!

Pastor Wendy