A Letter from Pastor Rachel

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. -Philippians 1:6

Beloved Ginghamsburg family,

Over the past several years we have together learned that change can be very hard while at the same time change can be very good. Today I ask that you prayerfully receive yet another change on the horizon with a healthy and Spirit-led anticipation.

As many of you heard in my recent message, the Billups’ are navigating a new season with our youngest, Sarah. Sarah is going to be fine – nothing terminal – it’s manageable, and yet this recent potential diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome has become the tipping point for our family and adjustments are needed.

Consequently, about two weeks ago I began to pray and consider what the future might bring. A pastoral opening in New Albany, Ohio presented itself. New Albany is on the east side of Columbus, part of an area of communities ripe for growth and reaching new people for Christ. New Albany is 20 minutes from Nationwide Children’s Hospital as well as close to much of my extended family.

All things considered, this opening took Jon and I to a very prayerful posture, and as of July 1, 2022, I will be taking on the role of Senior Pastor of New Albany United Methodist Church. Ginghamsburg family, I am grieving because I love you, I love this church and I love this role as your pastor. You have poured into my life and my family’s lives in ways that I couldn’t even ask or imagine. You’ve reminded my children that church can be fun, that they belong, and that even as kids they can make a difference in the world. These years have been very challenging, but oh so good. The way I lead and love has been shaped by your help and guidance. Although I will no longer function as your pastor I will always be your sister in Christ. I happen to believe that even though I change addresses, we are still connected as part of the body of Christ.

As for your new pastor, Bishop Gregory Palmer and the cabinet are prayerfully considering candidates throughout West Ohio and across the country. They’ve graciously received recommendations from me and will be working with the Ginghamsburg Leadership Board to appoint a new senior pastor in an appropriate timeline. I am challenging you to join me in praying for that new pastor, trusting God to provide the right leader for this season of ministry.

Friends, there’s no way I could express the gratitude I have for Ginghamsburg Church. You have been and continue to be a tangible example of what it means to love Jesus and do something about it. Ginghamsburg, this community and the world beyond needs you to continue to focus on the mission of Jesus. I will forever hold you in my heart and praise God for you. I am and will continue to be a champion of Ginghamsburg Church.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Rachel