It has been announced to the congregation that Prince of Peace’s Lead Pastor, Peter Christ, has accepted a new call and Debbie Jorgens will be retiring from her role as Director of Visitation & Congregation Care. Pastor Peter’s last Sunday will be the week following Easter, on April 27. Debbie will conclude her tenure on May, 31. Bishop Patricia Lull and staff from the St. Paul Area Synod will be assisting Prince of Peace in identifying interim pastoral leadership and preparing for the future call process(es).
Here is a portion of Pastor Peter’s letter to the congregation:
It is with a full heart that I write to share some important news. After much prayer, reflection, and discernment, I have accepted a new call to serve as Foundation President & Vice President of Mission Advancement for St. John’s United* in Billings, Montana. This decision has not come easily for Anne and me, as our time among you has been a profound gift—one filled with deep relationships, meaningful ministry, and countless moments of grace.
Read the full text of Peter’s letter here:
*St. John’s United, a cooperative ministry owned by 24 congregations of the Montana Synod, ELCA, is the largest provider of senior living and human services in Montana. Their ministries also include home care, transitional care, hospice, childcare, adoption and family services. To learn more, click here.
Here is a portion of Debbie Jorgens’ letter to the congregation:
[A]fter prayerful discernment, it has become clear that it’s time for me to step back and focus more on my family and on some things that are currently calling to me. While I won’t be part of the Prince of Peace staff, Bob and I will continue to be members of this wonderful faith community, so I’m thankful that my resignation is not a “goodbye.”
Read the full text of Debbie’s letter here:
Congregation Staff and Leadership, the Council, and the Personnel Committee have already begun the process of preparing for these transitions. Congregation President Deb Cordes shared the following in her letter to the congregation:
Change is here. It’s nothing new for Prince of Peace. Perhaps, it’s who we are. A people willing to love into God’s calling. For now, we need to take the time to say goodbye. Time to absorb the loss – grieve it. It’s time to start the slow process forward. Rest assured God is working with us and through us to the future. AND we are not alone.
Read the full text of Deb’s letter here:
Plans for send-off celebrations are forthcoming.