Dear Crosstown family,

Pastor Polly has served us wholeheartedly and well over the past 15 years. She is valued and dearly loved. Polly has sensed the Lord is leading her and her family into a next chapter, so she has chosen to conclude her ministry with us at Crosstown. This decision creates mixed feelings for us - sadness, along with love and support as the Inestroza’s follow the Lord’s leading in their lives.

I want you to hear directly from Polly in this email. First, let me offer a few practical comments to all of us. Polly will remain with us into the middle of August. And in August we will celebrate and shower Polly and her family with our love and appreciation.

I am actively collaborating with Polly to map out what we will do with the different ministry tasks she has been spearheading. Already we are discussing how to transition well, who to hand off specific tasks to. And, we are considering possibly utilizing Polly on a limited part time role in the fall with Wednesday night children’s ministry.

Below I have invited Polly to express what she wants you to hear personally from her……

To my beloved Crosstown Familia - 

After 15 years of ministry at Crosstown, the time has come for me to follow God’s leading to a new place. When I think about all the things I have experienced and learned, I am speechless. Crosstown is such a special place for me - both physically and figuratively. More than the place where I served or worked; both a building and a family. This church has been instrumental in growing me as a disciple, a pastor, and a mom. I mean it when I say I love this church, and I love each of you. 

I am so excited to see what is next for this church. As we have prayed together at 4:07pm for our next lead pastor, we deeply trust and are reminded that this church belongs to God, and He is working all things together for the good of His Kingdom, according to His will for us. 

I am thankful to Pastor Paul and Heather Polhemus (Crosstown’s Chair), as we discern together my off-ramping from ministry. I am committed to give what I can to support fruitful ministry. 

Crosstown familia - thank you for an epic ride! Thank you for praying for me and growing me; for loving me well. - Pastor Polly

Trust - this is another fresh call to exercise faith not fear. To trust and turn to the Lord. How will this be part of the Lord’s story at Crosstown? How does this shed more light on our pastor search? Even with our different feelings, we can all unite in trusting and looking for and being open to what the Lord intends.

Praying as we go - Pastor Paul and Pastor Polly