Significant Changes Announced at Trinity--ONE Great Unchanging Truth (Hebrews 13.7-8)!

Dear Trinity Family,

Jesus’ grace. Yesterday, after a meaningful time together in worship and the word and around the family table for the Lord’s Supper, we had a significant family meeting. The MultiPurpose Room was full, and I’m so grateful for all those who were able to join us. Since it is summer, of course, a number of you were unable to join, so I wanted to update you on the important matters we dealt with yesterday.

After welcoming and giving an introduction to the meeting, John Ryan (current elder and incoming President of the Congregation) gave a message about courage during times of transition based on God’s strengthening word from Joshua 1.9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” John also assured us that the Council and Elders have been a prayerful and supportive part of this processes leading up to this meeting.

We recognized Deaconess Sue Scott, who had just officially retired at the service preceding, and I was glad to announce that Bekah Steffens has accepted the offer to become PT Catechism Director at Trinity. Bekah will continue the tradition of solid biblical catechesis that has marked Trinity’s life for many decades. She will also bring dedicated creativity with a missionary heart to this role. The Church Council approved this job offer at their June meeting, and I am so pleased that Bekah said, “Yes, with the help of God.” Welcome, Bekah!

Next, Donald and Rowena Davis spoke from their heart about their changing roles. Donald and Rowena have served in a variety of capacities from super volunteer to leading the youth ministries for around 18 years. Rowena mentioned a while back that after a student is around 18, it is time to put a lei around their neck, say “aloha!”, and then send them off to what is next. Without knowing the timing of this transition, they have felt that their “send off” was coming. They will continue to serve in leading Surf Camp, as well as in the area of mission, but their time leading youth ministries will end. Donald teared up when he spoke of their love for the youth and the impact they have made on him. Donald and Rowena, you have made a profound impact on our youth, and I am a grateful pastor, and we are a grateful congregation!

Next, Darcie Thornblad spoke about her upcoming transition. Darcie recounted how she began doing Children’s Ministry when she HAD to do it because Dean was in charge of Youth and Children’s Ministry on the church council, and there was a hole that needed filling. Before she knew it, she had a permanent position. What a difference Darcie makes. The atmosphere is charged with laughter, whistling, and lots of Jesus when Darcie is around. Darcie joked that this isn’t the first time she resigned or retired. That is true. Darcie has held her job with steady and sacrificial faithfulness. But, she hasn’t grasped. Not long ago, Darcie told me that she was willing to keep on doing children’s ministry, but that if there were another person or staff configuration, she was very open. Darcie will give leadership to Children’s Ministry through VBS. Darcie, I’m glad you aren’t going anywhere, even though your role is changing. Thank you for being you, and giving yourself to the Lord and the children he loves so much! Well done!

Next, came some good news! As I started seeing some of the shifting roles of the staff, I started wondering how God would lead us to fill those roles, maybe with a different configuration. After prayer and conversation with the Elders, I started a conversation with our former intern, Kierra Blackstad. As Donald and Rowena and Darcie’s transitions became more solid, I presented the idea to the Church Council, Trinity’s constitutional authority for hiring staff. After working on a full-time job description for Youth and Family Ministries Director, the Church Council gave me authority to offer the job to Kierra. After a week of discernment and prayer, she joyfully accepted! When Darcie heard she said, “That is who I have pictured doing this as soon as I met her!” Kierra is a faithful and growing disciple. That is essential. The other essential quality I see in Kierra is her ability to build a team around her. She has done this at Mount Carmel in directing the large staff of counselors for numerous summers. She did this in the short time she was with us last year. She is good at building, honoring, and communicating with teams, and she is going to need teams to be effective her job here. Simply put, her job is not doing youth and family ministry. Her job is engaging us to do youth and family ministry! Kierra brings a wealth of creativity, experience, and her training will serve her and us well in this next season. Kierra plans to start here at Trinity mid to late August. 

Finally, and maybe most surprising was, Pastor Poul Erik stating his intention to resign his Pastoral Call to Trinity effective August 1. Poul Erik and Deserie have worshipped here at Trinity for 14 years and served in various capacities for 11 of those years. After his ordination, he has served the last 7 as Formation Pastor and then Assistant Pastor. Always part-time, Poul Erik has demonstrated gracefully the difficult balance that marks tent-making pastors. For some time I have said to Poul Erik, “You have full-time gifts, and we have a part-time call.” I don’t know what is next for the Norgaards, but he says it best, “We are looking forward to what God has in store for us and ask that you keep us in your prayers.” Poul Erik has been a faithful and loyal pastor to me and to us here at Trinity. And, along with Deserie and Nina and Samuel, will be sorely missed. Poul Erik will preach on his final Sunday here (July 28th). 

The matriarch in the room was Duffy Nelson who has seen every change at Trinity for decades. She had the final word, which was classic Duffy. “Make change your friend, and you will have a friend for life.” 

This “Welcome Home” Sunday (Sept 8), we are planning a big luau to say “Thank you!” to Donald and Rowena and Darcie and Pastor Poul Erik. Mark your calendars, tune your ukulele, get ready for something yummy, and let us celebrate these faithful servants that God has given to us. The Scripture passage that has been in my heart these days concerning these servants is Hebrews 13.7-8, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” What an inestimable blessing it has been to have these leaders who have spoken the word of God to us and have lives that are worth imitating. And, even more importantly, we have a Lord, Jesus Christ whose faithfulness is changeless even if everything else changes. He is the same yesterday and today and forever. We can trust him, Trinity. 

Excited for the next season at Trinity,

Nathan