Dear First Pres,

This last week I launched a new sermon series called Being Church on Purpose. If you haven't heard much about our church's new purpose statement, I hope you will make it a priority to be in worship as we examine some of the Scripture texts that have inspired our purpose: to engage together in Christ's work of making disciples for the redeeming transformation of our city and world.

Are you engaging with Jesus? Are you engaging in the work that He has called us to? These were some of the main questions on Sunday.  I hope you have been continuing to ponder them.

One of the great examples of engagement at First Presbyterian Church of Fresno has been Susan Glover.  Susan has faithfully served on the First Pres staff for 25 years as our business and operations manager.  For the past eight or so years, she has also served as a chaplain of congregational care.  Susan has worked in both of these jobs with incredible commitment and love for Jesus.  And now, Susan has decided that it is time to retire ... at least, partially retire.  At the end of this year, Susan will retire from her work as our business manager.  She will continue on a part-time basis as a congregational care chaplain.  

Let me just say, this is a big deal!  There is no way to replace the incredible institutional memory and knowledge that Susan has acquired in her decades of service to this church (thanks be to God that she will still be around for the occasional 'help me' phone call).  We will definitely find a time to celebrate Susan in the months to come, but please feel free to share your love and appreciation with Susan for her awesome work these many years.  Meanwhile, our Personnel team will be working in the coming months to figure out the next iteration of the business management work.

Let's ask God to help the Personnel team in this season of changes and guide us as we engage together in Christ's work. 

Blessings,