Farewell from Pastor Ruth

This Sunday, May 21, will be my last Sunday in the pulpit at LPC! 

I wrote a report for Session summarizing the past 10 months. As I reflect on the challenges and changes of our time together, I recognize that we did good work. Here are a few highlights:

~ WEBSITE. Apparently 10 months is enough time to gestate and birth a new website! Other much-needed technological upgrades include a new office platform, a new Tech Team, and a more welcoming interface for visitors. 

~  STAFFING CHANGES. David Allen became the Music Director and Kevin Jackson our new Communications Coordinator.

~ YOUTH. Even without a staff person for youth, we organized a Youth Group and are sending youth and adult chaperones to conferences this summer.

~ ADULT ED TEAM. A newly-formed team offered Adult Ed classes and already has plans for the Fall.

~ EARTH CARE. In the past few months, LPC became certified as an Earth Care Congregation! 

I’d also like to give you a few updates of a more personal variety. Through church member Eric Forsbergh, I made connections with the Leland Center, in Arlington, which works for racial justice. I will be speaking at their conference on June 10. See you there?

This is a significant ending for me. Not only am I finished with my interim work at LPC, I am also retiring from ministry. This summer my husband Doug and I plan to travel north to Newfoundland in our truck camper, Big Blue. (The picture is from just outside Death Valley in January 2022 when we were on the road for five months.) You can find my "Big Blue Adventures" blog here.

Let me also mention that you are invited to travel with me and Doug -- plus 2 co-leaders and many other pilgrims -- to Israel & Palestine next April. This exciting opportunity combines a pilgrimage and a writer's workshop. Read more here. (Register by August 1.)

THANK YOU for your partnership in ministry these past 10 months. You have given me a wonderful ending to my ministry career. May God bless you and keep you in the coming weeks and months! 

I will continue to pray for LPC. I know you will welcome your next Transitional Pastor, Rev. Scott Wilson, as warmly as you welcomed me.  

Grace & Peace to each of you. 

See you on Sunday, May 21, at 10:00! 

~ Pastor Ruth Everhart