Friends,
On Sunday evening, October 4, the congregation of First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, called me to be their next senior pastor.
I am excited, honored and looking forward to discerning together the movement of the Spirit in my new call. I am, however, sad to leave the office of editor/publisher of the Presbyterian Outlook. Occupying this seat, seeing the large landscape of our denomination, learning of the depth and breadth of the ministry in all our church councils, preaching, speaking, writing in the hopes of supporting that work — all of this I count among the greatest honors and privileges of my life. I was humbled when we marked this storied institution’s 200th anniversary, the faithfulness of so many people who came before me in this ministry reminded me yet again what a gift it is to be engrafted into the vine of the Presbyterian Outlook. Working with a gifted staff, a committed board and so many talented contributors challenged me to bring my best and learn from each of them.
All I can really say is: Thank you. Thank you for the joy of serving as the editor/publisher of the Presbyterian Outlook these almost six years. While I leave this role, I remain passionate about the Outlook’s mission and look forward to supporting this ministry from a new place and perspective. The board is hard at work even now seeking a full-time interim editor/publisher and I trust God’s providence in the timing of this transition.
The Outlook will move forward in strength with capable, faithful leaders on the board and on the staff. I will miss working daily with this group of God’s people. I will miss hearing from readers and visiting congregations across our denomination. I will miss writing weekly resources and learning where and how they are being used. However, I feel unquestionably called to First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro. I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as are my husband and son, and I have family in Greensboro and the surrounding area. I am eager to engage with the ongoing ministry of a downtown church and prayerfully trust God will use my gifts and theirs to participate in the new thing God is surely doing there and in the entirety of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
I will serve as the editor/publisher of the Presbyterian Outlook until mid-November. Until that time, I will continue to strive to bring my best in service to you and to Christ’s church.
Thank you for the honor, privilege and joy of being in ministry with you.
Grace and peace,
Jill
