Dear Friends and Family (and Those In-Between),
I’m excited to announce that in just a few short weeks, Steph and I will be returning to Warren, Ohio as I join the staff of First United Methodist Church of Warren. We’re excited to be moving close to family and friends, as well as once again joining a community we so dearly love.
That God was stirring our hearts and in the process of calling us to new ministry became clear in September of 2012. I was beginning my second year at Wheaton College, finishing my Master’s Degree, as well as entering into my second year of serving as Director of Student Ministries at the Village Church. It was an exciting time, yet Steph and I began praying in earnest that God would direct our steps.
And so He did. We spent our week-long Thanksgiving vacation praying intentionally to discern God’s leading, and Steph especially felt impressed that I should call Rick Oaks, the pastor at First Church and my long-time mentor, to let him know that we were in the process of searching. I called Rick a few days after Thanksgiving and blatantly asked for a job, which began a series of conversations about the possibility of us working together.
This is something both Rick and I had prayed about a few years before, when I was serving as an intern at First Church. Over the past few months, God has been in the process of answering that prayer, and starting June 1, I’ll be serving as the Connections Pastor, overseeing discipleship and connections across all generations of the church. I’ll also be seeking to help the church make intentional connections to those under 40. I’m excited about this position as it employs our passions, our gifts, and our training in a challenging new context.
So, over the next two weeks, we’ll be packing up our apartment and getting ready for our move, as well as saying goodbye to treasured relationships here. Just a few days ago, the Village Church threw us a farewell party (what a sweet time!) and yesterday marked my graduation from Wheaton (another sweet time!).
We are gladly accepting prayers of all kinds over the next few weeks; if you think about us, please pray for strength, endurance, and a growing trust in the Lord’s plan as we make bittersweet farewells to friends and family here.
In the Name of Jesus,
Kyle and Steph
Caring for the Soul 