Dearest friends at Faith, This is a hard letter to write. When I began work as the director of CEYF, I knew that it wouldn't be a permanent position, given my training for ordained ministry. However, I'd expected to spend at least a couple of years at Faith before a call was extended to me. Recently, though, I received a call to a full-time ordained associate pastor position at David's UCC in Kettering, Ohio. I have accepted this position, which will consist of 3/4 ministry with youth and families and 1/4 of regular pastoral duties. David's needs me to begin May 2, so I will be resigning my position at Faith as of April 30. I will be working with the Faith Formation Ministry to assure that things go smoothly after I leave. While I am very excited about the prospect of entering into full-time ordained ministry, it is a bittersweet excitement. I love serving this congregation of amazingly wonderful people, so I hate to leave. I wish to extend my gratitude for the enthusiasm with which you have welcomed me and the generosity you have shown in supporting the Faith Formation program here at Faith. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I hope that you will stay in touch and will consider attending my service of ordination at Dover UCC in Westlake in July. Blessings, Daria |