Beloved Hennepin Avenue UMC,
With deep gratitude, I want to share Bishop Lanette Plambeck’s intention to appoint me to The Grove in Woodbury and Cottage Grove, and I along with the Core Team of The Grove affirm the Bishop’s intention. My last Sunday at Hennepin will be June 1st, and I will be appointed to The Grove on July 1st. As already announced, I will be on renewal leave from June 2nd through August 31st, and I am thankful for this time so I can step into this next chapter of ministry with energy and faithfulness.
This news likely brings a mix of emotions, I know it does for me. The Grove is a good fit, a place where I believe my gifts and calling will flourish. But that does not in any way diminish the fact that my time at Hennepin has been, and remains, a good fit as well. Over the years, this congregation has been a place of deep meaning for me. You have been my partners in ministry, my teachers, and my encouragers. Together, we have worshiped, prayed, asked hard questions, wrestled with faith, and pursued God’s justice in the world. It is difficult to step away from this place and these relationships, knowing that there is still important and meaningful work to be done. And yet, I trust that the Spirit is moving. Just as God called me here, God is calling me into something new, and God is calling this congregation forward as well. Transitions are never easy, but we hold fast to the promise that this work is bigger than any one of us.
As Paul wrote to the Philippians:“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)
That is my prayer for Hennepin, that the good work that God has begun in this place will continue. The gifts, the calling, and the faithfulness of this congregation do not rest on any one pastor; they are carried by the Spirit and by each of you, together. I am confident that you will continue to be a place of deep belonging, radical hospitality, courageous justice, and transforming love.
I also know that goodbyes are hard. We will have time in the coming months to celebrate, to share memories, and to say farewell. Andrew, Steven, and I are so grateful for the love and support we have received from this community, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead to honor this transition well.
And know this, Hennepin’s future is in good hands. Our Conference Superintendent, Rev. Becky Jo Messenbrink, will work closely with Pastor Elizabeth and the Governance Board to ensure that the next Associate Pastor will be a good fit. I trust in that process, just as I trust in the faithfulness of this community. As we step into this season together, I invite us to hold space for all of it; the grief and the hope, the sadness of change, and the excitement for what’s ahead. And through it all, let us hold fast to the truth that God is present in it all, guiding, sustaining, and calling us forward.
With love and deep gratitude,
Pastor Laura Hannah