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Dear
Members and Friends of PCCT:
I’m writing
you to let you know that I’ve received a call to serve as the Associate
Pastor for Parish Life at the West Side Presbyterian Church (WSPC) in
Ridgewood, NJ. My final Sunday with you will be June 20th and my
final workday will be Friday, June 25th.
At WSPC, I
will be focusing on adult ministry, most specifically the ministries of
spiritual formation, small groups, discipleship, and mission. I look forward
to this opportunity to draw more intentionally on my training, experience,
and gifts, to pursue my deepest passions in ministry, and to serve a
community ripe for spiritual growth.
It has been
a joy and privilege to serve as the Associate Pastor and Associate Pastor
for Congregational Life at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township since
August of 1999. Thank you for letting me into your hearts, entrusting me
with your sacred stories, and journeying with me all these years. I feel
blessed to have begun my ministry with such an open, caring, and gifted
community. And I’m fortunate that two of my most life-changing events
occurred while I was with you: becoming a father and beginning my journey as
a spiritual director. I will be forever grateful for your support.
I will also
always treasure being part of such a dynamic and committed team of leaders
at PCCT. I am grateful to Ed for his kindness, encouragement, and
companionship, to the staff who helped me look forward to going to work
everyday and who taught me so much about ministry and collaboration, and to
the many people and groups I’ve served with and shared so many joyful and
meaningful experiences with.
The more I
reflect on the timing of God’s call, the more I trust this will be a
blessing not only for me and my family, but for you. There are many
wonderful changes ahead for you and an increasing number of faithful and
talented leaders equipped to deepen and expand the ministry of PCCT as you
move forward, follow the Spirit’s leading, and live into this new chapter in
your communal life.
Soon our
relationship will change: I will no longer be one of your pastors, and due
to Presbyterian polity, unable to conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc.
But what will never change are my love for you and my heartfelt gratitude
for nearly eleven years with you.
I look
forward to the opportunity to personally say thank you and goodbye to as
many of you as I can.
With love
and gratitude,
Rev. Marc
Oehler
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