Dear First Pres,
I’m glad you’re taking a moment to read this letter, because I have an important staffing update to share with you. Josh Gillispie, our Minister for City Engagement and Modern Worship, is resigning from his full-time position on our staff. Here’s the news in Josh’s own words:
Dear Church,
It has been an honor to be on full-time staff for the last three and a half years. I was first hired as the Technology Director and most recently have been acting as the City Engagement and Modern Worship Minster. It is with a variety of emotions that I share with you that I will be stepping away from full-time staff at First Presbyterian Church Fresno. I will now be working for a nonprofit called CarePortal.
CarePortal is an app and website designed to aid in the prevention of kids from going into the foster care system through partnership with churches and agencies. My primary role will be to walk churches through the software with the hope that they will participate. I am excited for this new season of life and am looking forward to being a part of "Kingdom Work” in new ways.
This is a major change, but I’m thrilled to say that I will be staying on part-time staff at FPC as the Modern Worship Minister. Tessa and I are both excited to remain a part of this body and to continue to grow here. I believe in FPC’s vision and mission, and look forward to seeing the continued work of His Spirit in, and through our congregation.
In Christ, Josh Gillispie
Josh’s last day on the full-time staff will be Monday, May 13. But as he mentioned, he will continue to serve in part-time capacity as our Modern Worship Minister.
As I’ve shared with Josh personally, I am very grateful for his significant contribution to the ministry and mission of FPC Fresno. He has been a huge asset to our congregation and a great encouragement to me since joining the team. Thus, I’m glad that we can keep him on in a part-time capacity, but we’re going to miss him on the full-time staff.
Since we weren’t planning on this transition, the Operations Commission (our volunteer team that works with our staff on Personnel, Finance and Facilities), is choosing to take a bit of time before offering any new staff positions. We’ve begun work with our existing team of staff and volunteers to make sure we’re covering the bases in the areas where Josh will no longer be on point. We’ll do our best to keep the congregation informed on any other changes in program or staffing.
While the plan is emerging, I encourage you to pray. Pray for the Lord’s blessing over the Gillispie clan (Josh, Tessa, Jamie & Jack) in the midst of this transition. Pray for the Lord’s wisdom for our Session and Operations Commission and Staff as we navigate this new shift. And pray that the Lord continues to compel us in His love toward the mission and vision He has given our congregation.
Psalm 24:1 says this: “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” That means that FPC Fresno is the LORD’s, as well. It means we can trust Him to continue in His gracious faithfulness to us. It means we can be at peace even in the midst of change. We belong to the LORD almighty, the maker of heaven and earth. May that be an encouragement to us all today.
Blessings,
Jeremy
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