A Note from Pastor Jeff . . .

Hello Church Family,

I want to let you know that Spencer James, our beloved Minister of Operations, is going to be stepping down at the end of this month.  After seven intense years of working 40++ hours each week overseeing our worship technology, communications, social media, website, building & grounds, adjacent rental houses, etc., etc., he’s ready for a change.  He will be venturing out to consult with small businesses, churches, and nonprofits in his areas of expertise.  He will also continue to be available to consult with us on a project basis.

We are excited that Spencer is embracing this new opportunity, but VERY sad to see him go.  During his many years at LifeJourney, he has helped us improve our operations in a million different ways.  Examples include a new website, a new user-friendly database, expanded video production capacity, enhancing our worship media team, growing the cash flow from our rental houses, revamping our Hospitality Team, and upgrading our building, including last year’s major renovation projects (new restrooms, new siding, and parking lot repaving).  Like I said, his job has been really intense.  He wore many hats.

I am working with the Board members on our Personnel Team to put together a transition plan that will enable us to bridge the gap between Spencer’s departure and hiring someone new.  At a minimum, to support the transition, we will likely need to retain a part-time Audio Engineer & Technical Director on an interim basis.  We will launch that search right away. 

Spencer is both my colleague and friend.  He has been a joy to work with.  I will miss him greatly, as we all will.  Spencer asked me to share the following message with you:

“My tenure at LifeJourney has been a labor that I love — it’s been my honor and my pleasure to serve! The agonizing decision to make a change has been weighing on me for a while​…​ waiting for the perfect time. Barack Obama​ ​once said, “… We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”​ I am excited to see what God has in store for me next and have faith it will be an opportunity to share my (spiritual) gifts in different ways.”

As you know, we will be celebrating Family Reunion Sunday on September 20 with a big worship service in the church parking lot at 11:00 am.  (The service will also be livestreamed.)  BYO lawn chair or use one of ours, wear a mask, socially distance – and when you see Spencer, be sure to tell him how much you appreciate him! 

Sincerely,
Pastor Jeff