From Pastor Eric
December 22nd, 2022
Dear members and friends of Red Clay,
In the first chapter of Acts, “those who had gathered together asked Jesus, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?” Jesus replied, “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority.”
Back in October I wrote to you all saying “I have come to the difficult decision that I will not be extending beyond the 4-year term… and so it is time for me to look for where God is calling me next, as I seek to do right by my family and follow the Spirits leading. I do not yet know what is next. For now, I am going to do my best to set you all up for the future, to faithfully grow together in this time, and to enjoy all of the time that I have with you until July of 2023 or whenever God calls me elsewhere.”
Since making that announcement, many of you have kindly wished me well, and asked “where, when, what time, what season?” And when I first announced I was being called elsewhere, I knew that God’s timing is not our own, and did not know the time or season when God would call me to ministry in a new location. Both that timing, and location have since come into focus.
It is truly bittersweet, because I am sad to be leaving you all, but I am excited to announce that I will be taking the position of Interim Associate Pastor at Second Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. In a fun and full circle moment, I will be working once again with Randy Clayton, and helping guide this congregation through a time of transition in their life. I specifically will be providing support to the children and youth ministries through their Christian Education committee, pastoral care and staff support to their Deacons.
My last Sunday with you all will be January 15th; I will preach that service, there will be a very short congregational meeting, and, while not finalized, I imagine there will be cake afterwards.
The Book of Acts goes on to tell of the spread and growth of the early Church, beginning with a gathering of followers in Jerusalem, congregations spread across the region and eventually the entire globe. A Church that has continued, in different congregations connected by the Holy Spirit that swept over the Church at Pentecost, and has empowered Christ’s ministry through the centuries.
I* do truly love you all, Red Clay continues to be a wonderful congregation, and has been an incredible place to serve as Associate Pastor. To be with you through a pandemic, an interim period, a 300th Anniversary, and so much more has been such a deep honor, and I know that through the Spirit’s power we continue in the same ministry of Jesus Christ.
As a partner in ministry, and sibling in Christ,
Pastor Eric
Official Notice: The session has called a special meeting of the congregation of Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church for Sunday, January 15, 2023 to be held in the Sanctuary immediately following the 10:00 a. m. worship service for the purpose of consenting to the dissolution of the pastoral relationship with the Rev. Eric Koenig-Reinke.