Dear Bethany UMC Family,
After much prayer and discernment, I have decided that the time has come for me to leave my position at Bethany in June of this year.
This has not been an easy decision to make because I love Bethany. With the guidance of my spiritual director, I have been in a discernment process for three years focused on how God is calling me to serve and use my gifts in the world at this point in my life.
My calling, interests, and gifts have always led me to focus on discipleship across the entire lifespan, and more recently, on the faith formation that occurs when multiple generations seek to grow in faith together and in relationship with one another. Children’s ministry is one small piece of this larger whole. When I came to Bethany in 2011, I knew that children’s ministry was not my ultimate calling, but I felt called to this specific children’s ministry at that specific point in time. I am grateful for the time I have spent at Bethany in this role, but as I have sought to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in my life, it has become clear to me that it is time for me to continue my journey in another place.
I know many of you are wondering what’s next for me. The short answer is: I don’t know. If you know me well, you know that I am a planner. I don’t just want to know a general outline for a plan; I want to figure out every detail. That said, I don’t know what form the next phase of my ministry will take. Here’s the thing: I am completely okay with that. Coming to a place of peace with “not knowing” what’s next has been a significant confirmation from the Holy Spirit that I am moving in the right direction. God has not yet shown me whether the next phase of my ministry will be inside or outside the local church, full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid. I don’t know when I will know, but I am continuing to diligently engage in spiritual practices as I seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I trust that in time, I will know the next step on my path.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition in Children’s Ministry, I will remain in my position through the end of June to provide ample time for the transition. When the sun sets on my time at Bethany, I will have served this congregation for 9 years as Pastor to Children and Families. I thank you for welcoming me as a fresh and eager seminary graduate. I came here with much to learn, and I have grown in many ways, both professionally and personally during my time serving Bethany. I am grateful for your companionship on the journey and your support of David and me as our family grew from two to four. Our girls have been loved beautifully by this congregation, and I know that Anna, especially, will miss it dearly. We appreciate your prayers and support as our family prepares to transition to whatever is next for us in the coming months.
Grace and Peace,
Jessica Petersen
