An Update from Pastor Nathan

Last night at our Elders’ and Board Meetings, I shared that Chad’s and my partnership is concluding. This newsletter article is a follow-up to what I said at those meetings.
 
Chad and I first met on August 13, 2010, at the Reata Restaurant in Fort Worth. One year later, I started seminary at Brite, and Chad joined the provider team at the Psychiatric Emergency Center of John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth in January 2012. Six years ago, I moved to Ohio, and Chad joined me six months later (on the weekend of the installation). Together, we’ve shared fourteen good years of life, love, travel, good food, two dogs, two states, a global pandemic, and so much more. Building on the goodness we have shared, we have mutually decided to conclude our relationship.
 
Endings in relationships are often complex and complicated. Chad spent time in Texas over the summer when his mother was ill and has bought a new home in Fort Worth, and he will relocate there in a few weeks. While our relationship is concluding, and Chad is relocating, our friendship is continuing. We already have plans for dinners at that same Reata Restaurant and for me to install automated switches in Chad’s new home that coordinate with Alexa. Choosing to conclude a relationship is difficult, but we want to assure you that we have made this decision with care and compassion toward each other.
 
In addition to being a supportive partner and friend to me, Chad has been a gift to the WACC community. He co-chaired the Outreach Committee for three years and has served as the financial secretary. Without a doubt, his presence with and among us has made us a more faithful congregation (and me a better pastor). Chad has asked to stay active in the Instant Church Directory, which now has his new Fort Worth address, and he will continue to receive The Spire. You are welcome to reach out to Chad by text, email, or card. If your travels ever carry you to Texas, he would be glad to host you for a meal.
 
Finally, both of us wish to express our thanks to you, the people of WACC, for your welcome and acceptance of us. Even beyond acceptance, we felt celebrated by you. Such goodness is true to the core of who you are. Thank you for your support as we continue this new journey in our lives.