A Final Goodbye & Thank You

Dearest Minneola Faith Family,

The time has come to say an official goodbye and as hard as that is, I find myself experiencing deep gratitude for the time and ministry we have been able to do together these past eleven years.

As I consider my favorite moments at Minneola, I will never forget the first meeting with the Call Committee, eight months pregnant and though I was early, I had to use the restroom so badly. It was an immediate connection of humor and joy in the moment. Or the conversation in the early days regarding Maundy Thursday and footwashing. None of us had any idea how that service and ritual would become an annual touchpoint for our community.

We weathered the unexpected death of Pastor Sarah, financial ups and downs, COVID and the constantly changing landscape of church in the 21st century for these eleven years and all of it has left an indelible impact on me as an individual, community member and spiritual leader. Who I am can no longer be separated from my time and experience with you, Minneola Lutheran Church.

Sunday January 11th will be my last Sunday and following that service we will gather for some food and fellowship to reminisce, laugh and cry together as we say goodbye. I would love to see as many of you as possible that day and I look forward to the many hugs. I will deeply miss each and every one of you and the gift you have been in my life and growth as a pastor. It has been an honor and a privilege to walk the road beside you, and I know God continues to make a beautiful path before us even as our roads splits.

May our daily lives reflect Jesus’ way,

Pr. Hannah