-Rev. Wendy Komori Stager –
St. Andrew’s is on the verge of an exciting transition. Last Sunday, the congregation voted to call Dr. Ernie Hess to become the pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. He will begin his ministry here on November 1, 2015. I will be exiting here on September 27th.
The Bible gives us examples of communities who have experienced different leaders. The church in Corinth had been led by at least two different named leaders. However, when Paul writes to the church he cautions them to not be overly loyal to any of their human leaders. He chides the church for their comments of “I belong to Paul” or “I belong to Apollos.” Paul, he sees himself and Apollos as God’s servants who worked in the Corinthian church for a season. He writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1 Cor. 3:6) Think of [Apollos and Paul] as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.
I have been privileged to be a servant of Christ and a steward of God’s mysteries for a season of the life of St. Andrew’s. It is now my time to step aside and allow the next person God is placing here to arrive. I am fully supporting you and Pastor Ernie in my prayers as you prepare for the next era in the life of this church.