Dear siblings in Christ,
It has been my privilege and honor to serve God at Holy Cross Lutheran for the past twelve years. You welcomed a young pastor, fresh out of seminary, with love and care; and you helped me grow into the pastor I am today. But I’m sad to announce that my time at Holy Cross is coming to an end: I will be resigning as pastor here to accept a call to St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Saxonburg, PA. The church council and I have agreed that my last Sunday at Holy Cross will be November 21.
The experiences and friendships we’ve developed through this season of ministry have been wonderful, and I will truly miss all of you as I embark on this new journey. I will cherish my memories of and the opportunities granted by Holy Cross, and while this is a time to mourn our mutual loss, it’s also a time where change brings new opportunities.
As you prepare to seek out the next pastor God has for Holy Cross, I urge you to take some time in prayer discerning what direction the Holy Spirit is leading Holy Cross for growing the kingdom of God. Listen for a clear vision for the church, one that expresses your love for God and love for your neighbors outside the church’s walls. Don’t assume a new pastor coming in will keep everything the same, or make everything be “perfect” on their own; instead, seek out a pastor who will help Holy Cross grow into the vision for ministry that God is giving you.
Holy Cross will forever hold a place in my heart. We have been together in many joys and many sorrows, bound together as this part of the body of Christ. I have fond memories of quilting together, worshiping together, and even of council meetings together! I rejoice in the Community Garden, and the wonderful gift it is to our community.
Though I mourn leaving you, I am excited for what God will bring next in your lives and in the life of Holy Cross. As God spoke through Jeremiah to a people facing their own time of uncertainty:
I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me. I will be present for you, declares the LORD, and I will end your captivity.
Jeremiah 29:11-15 (CEB)
So as this time of transition begins, search for the Lord! Find strength in the one who is strength, for I know and trust that God has wonderful things in store for you and for Brigham City and Box Elder county through you. In the words of Holy Cross’s mission statement: “Embrace God’s Word, know Christ’s peace, [and] share the Spirit’s promise!”
I love you all,
Rev. Michael Galica