Sunday, July 10, 2011

We are moving to Covenant Point...

I am sorry that I haven't posted about the BIG change taking place in a few short weeks for us. I just didn't feel I had the right words to say. We have a lot going on right now and I haven't had a chance to figure out how to upload pictures to our new computer, but I wanted to finally put an update about our move.


In our house Erik is the writer, so I've posted the letter that was sent out to our church to inform them of his new position. The Sunday after this was received Erik and i stood at the front of the church while he read this to the church, both of us crying. It was a very emotional day for us and actually each day is overflowing with every kind of emotion! Here's the letter...


June 2, 2011


Dear Winnetka Covenant Church Family,

It is with both excitement and sadness that I wish to share with you the news that I have been called by the HarborPoint Ministries Board, and confirmed by the Central Conference Executive Board, to be the next executive director at Covenant Point Bible Camp.

As with many of you who are deeply connected to Covenant Point, I was shocked and shaken by the sudden death of former executive director, Chuck Frasier, this past November. In many ways, I feel that the direction my life has taken and the gifts that I am currently using as a pastor in this community are fruits of Chuck’s leadership and the wonderful ministry of the camp. So, it is not without much personal grief, deliberation, gratitude and hope that Courtney and I have come to this unexpected season of discernment. Trusted voices in our life, including many of yours, encouraged us remain open to this process from the beginning. By God’s grace, through each step we have felt an undeniable and overwhelming sense of call that this is indeed where God would have us serve in this next season of our life – and we are honored and filled with passion and excitement to respond to that call.

We are also, of course, deeply feeling the loss that is associated with a change of this nature – most of all, our hearts are heavy in thinking about the change which this will mean for our relationships with each of you. Over these past four years, this community has become much more than a place to serve; this community is our home, our life, our family, our strong support. You have been for us the very presence of Christ. You have watched our children grow and you have shaped how they have grown by your love and witness. And as youth pastor, I have been honored to be invited into your lives – sharing with you at times both the joyful and also painful moments. You have trusted me with much, and I have sought so deeply to be faithful to that trust by the way I have tried to care, lead, teach, and preach with every ounce of my energy, devotion and gifts. We have had an incredibly blessed adventure here among you, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the part each of you has played in that journey. I want to say a special thank you to the youth whom I have been privileged to walk alongside. Courtney and I love each of you very much! We will continue to pray for you, we will so look forward to hearing updates on your life from you, and we will treasure the memories of countless Sunday night gatherings, retreats, Wednesday night activities, meals, games, songs, stories, prayers, projects, dreams, and laughs. Thank you, thank you.

Please know that my family and I will remain at WCC for much of the summer, officially concluding our time at the end of our church family camp week at Covenant Point on August 14. Between then and now, I hope for a few months to continue our life together, to reflect on these past years, to pray for the good plans God has in store here, and to probably share much laughter and tears.

“And now,” as the Apostle Paul says to his beloved community in Ephesus, “to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

With all our love,

Erik, Courtney, Caleb, Jackson, and Emmett





After church that day we had our church picnic. It was nice to be able to have some more conversations and to cry more!



It was also a hot day, so we headed to the pool with some good friends.

6 comments:

Sarah said...

So excited for you guys!

Katie said...

We could not be more excited for this new adventure you are about to embark on. God is good, he is with you in each new step and he goes before you preparing the way. Bless you as you trust and follow.
All our love!
Katie and Lars, Quinn and Albin

WML said...

A great letter, erik. We are excited for you - especially since God is so clearly leading you in this direction...

Jenny said...

We love, love, love you.

Kendra Wheeler said...

Oh I have been waiting for this announcement! I am so excited about this! Camp is so lucky to have you all...what a huge blessing!

Jed and Anne said...

wow, you got a new computer? your desk must feel huge! -jed