Dear Friends -

It is with both great excitement and great sadness that I share the news that I will shortly be leaving my role as Director of Formation at Grace.

I am excited because I am leaving to pursue a new and exciting opportunity in my work with the University of Chicago's Community Service Center. In addition to my current programming, I have been invited to take on leadership of an additional program that will allow me to work with a cohort of first year undergraduates as they explore topics of social justice and responsible community engagement. This is an area that I have a lot of passion for, and am thrilled to have been presented with the opportunity to pursue it further.

I am sad because I know that leaving Grace will not be easy. Since I started worshiping and working in this community, I have always appreciated the passion that every single person brings to the table, no matter their age, and have only felt that appreciation deepen and grow in the year-plus I have been in this role. I look forward to seeing the many relationships I have formed here change and grow into something new over time, but for now I have a deep sense of sadness for the conclusion of their professional, pastoral form.

Shawn and I are at work on a transition plan, and will keep you all up-to-date as we nail down further details, including the date of my final Sunday and the hiring process to find someone new to fill the role. I hope to have time with as many of you as possible, whether in passing or over coffee, so that I can share, once again, how much of a blessing it has been to be a part of your lives and community.

Thank you all.

Peace,

Nick