FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WHEATON
April 12, 2005

Dear Session Members and Church Friends,

This is a bittersweet letter for me to write. It is "sweet" because I have chosen to follow the call of God and accept a new position as Pastor of Saint John's United Church in Chesterton, Indiana. It is "bitter" because going there means leaving here, and leaving here means leaving you - people I love.

So, it is with mixed feelings that I hereby request that you dissolve my position as Associate Pastor effective June 14, 2005 in order that I may formally assume my new call.

My time here at First Pres has been filled with learning and loving. You have graciously received the gifts I had to share and always encouraged me to continue growing. You have let me love you, and you have loved me back. You have supported me through many difficult times. You have been faithful, deeply caring, and kind.

Many of you have been my finest teachers. I have learned more about faith and love in action from observing you than you will ever know. Your devotion to Spirit-filled living has been a constant source of inspiration to me. You are my role models as well as my friends.

While it grieves me to leave, I know that it is time. God is calling me to use more of my preaching and other leadership gifts. St. Johns is, I believe, a perfect fit for my gifts and goals. Chesterton is a beautiful town, just at the entrance to the Indiana Dunes, and Chuck loves it as much as I do. We will be building a home there (it's much cheaper!). Nick can still commute home on the weekends. Chuck can still baby-sit our grandchildren during the week. It's as if God had this place chosen for our family.

Please know that while I am grateful for the future God is calling me to, I am deeply sad to leave you. I have been experiencing a lot of "liquid love" (tears!) these days. I know we will celebrate our time together too! These have been good, full years. You will always be in my heart.

Shalom,

Katie Lindberg