FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WHEATON
April 12, 2005

Dear Church Members and Friends,

When I joined the ministry team of our church, I expressed my appreciation for the phenomenal staff we have. My opinion has not changed. If anything, it has grown stronger! So you can understand my sadness in announcing the Session, regretfully, accepted Katie Lindberg's request to dissolve her position as Associate Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, effective June 14, 2005, to accept the call as Pastor / Head of Staff, of St. John's United Church, in Chesterton, Indiana.

During my short time as your Interim Pastor / Head of Staff, Katie has been a faithful pastor, colleague and friend. It has been a privilege and joy to serve you, and our Lord, with her. I am certain many of you can echo my sentiments many times over! As our Associate Pastor / Coordinator of Pastoral Care for 12 years, she has been there for you during some of your most painful experiences and greatest joys. She has wept and laughed with you. Through her leadership of the Shalom Wholeness Ministry, she has guided the Board of Deacons, the Caritas Team, and the Stephen Ministry. Katie's love for us could not remain at arms length; she reached out to us through the Wholeness Service, her Baptism Classes, Monday Morning Bible Study, and as Host of the dinner hour at LOGOS. Katie is a vital part of our First Pres family. To say, "We are going to miss her!" doesn't put into words how we feel. We love her deeply!

As an expression of our love for Katie and in appreciation for her 13 years of dedicated service to our congregation, the Session has authorized a full month's vacation and two weeks study leave. I have asked her to preach on her last Sunday with us-May 15, 2005, at all three Worship Services. A "Farewell Reception" will follow the 11:00 a.m. service for Katie, her husband Chuck, and her son Nick. In the month that remains, I hope you will share with Katie and her family how they have touched your lives and the life of our church.

Enclosed is a copy of the letter that was read to the Session last night. It will be read to the congregation at all three services on Sunday, (April 17, 2005) and published in the First Pres newsletter for May 2005.

It's obvious, God has a plan; it is unfolding. Katie and Chuck listed their home with a realtor yesterday morning; they received a contract on it last night! Isn't God good? God also has a plan for us:

"For surely I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." Jeremiah 29:11

As Katie reminded us in her last staff devotional, God's promises are always "YES and AMEN!" Right on, Katie!

Sincerely,

Jerald B. Landrey

CC: Carol Norton
Loretta Gracious Bremer