Dear Friends,

As I sit in my lovely Heights home sipping my morning cup of inspiration, my mind returns to Pastor Hannah’s sermon on Sunday. If you missed it, I recommend you ask for her manuscript. “Joyful disruption” -- the sermon was about the transition of Christ’s church from a life with Christ physically present to one with only his spiritual presence. The disruption was the whooshing of the wind as the spirit of God descended into the disciples’ midst. They must have felt off-balance and uncertain, clinging to their creature comforts, as we do when we face transitions in our lives, even positive ones. That in mind, I have two things to share with you. 

Recently, our parsonage where Pastor Hannah normally resides experienced a significant disruption. On May 2nd, the master bathroom ceiling caved in due to a leak in the old pipes. Our Board and Pastor Hannah quickly pulled together to manage the complex repairs, which include rebuilding the ceiling, replacing plumbing, and ensuring the home is properly cleaned and restored. The repiping is scheduled for June 2nd, meaning Pastor Hannah and her dog Grace will have been displaced for a month. 

Pastor Hannah has graciously been able to reside in the home of one of our Board members during this disruption. Grace has been staying with another Board member as well. It has been beautiful to see our Board and Pastor Hannah support one another through this experience, bringing care and compassion amid difficult circumstances. For those who have asked how they can help, contributions toward the unexpected repair costs are certainly welcome, though most of all we appreciate your prayers and support during this season. 

I am also facing a big — and hopefully joyful — disruption in my personal life. My husband and I sold our Heights home and will move back to Western Australia on July 2nd. No good thing comes without sacrifice, and I will deeply miss my daily interactions with members of my Grace family and friends. When I first volunteered at the Grace Food Pantry, I never expected to join a church or fall in love with the people I would serve and serve alongside.

 

The heartache of this transition is real, and I will miss you very much. I’d like to think we’ll keep in touch, and I’ll continue hearing about the joys and sorrows of the life of the church. I don’t know yet how God will use my talents and all you’ve taught me these past two years, but I trust the path will reveal itself in time. I look forward to seeing you when we visit. Our son Christian lives just down the street from Grace, and I hope he’ll find his way to this community of faith one day soon. 

Blessings, 

Kari Young 

Administrative Board Member