March 19, 2007

Dear Friends, 

We know Lent to be a time of testing, and at times we must remind ourselves that it is the Spirit that draws us into the desert.  With sadness in my heart, yet confident in the Spirit, I share with you a letter from the Rev. Dr. Mike Penn-Strah.  Please continue reading my letter following his.

Jim Antal
Conference Minister & President

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To:  Churches and Authorized Ministers of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ
From: The Rev. Dr. Mike Penn-Strah 

Dear Friends,

With a full heart I am writing to tell you that I am resigning my position as Associate Conference Minister. 

As many of you know, when I accepted your call to this position nearly five years ago it was the first time I had served on a conference staff.  You-the ministers and lay leaders in our congregations and my colleagues on our conference staff-warmly welcomed me and graciously nurtured me into this new calling.  Our ministry together has been, and continues to be, for me, a rich and grace-filled journey.  Words cannot adequately express how much I have been blessed by our time together.

Two recent events have prompted my decision.  First, six months ago my wife, Sara, received and accepted a call to be the Pastor and Teacher of First Church of Christ, Woodbridge, Ct.  Since August 1 we have lived in a commuting relationship.  Although we have found ways to make this arrangement work fairly well, it certainly is not our ideal.  It has reminded us that we got married 15 years ago because we love each other and enjoy being together!

Then, in January, the Reverend Kent Siladi, the Regional Minister serving the churches in the South Central region of Connecticut, the region in which Woodbridge is located, resigned to accept a call to be the Conference Minister of the Florida Conference.   On March 1, I was invited to become the South Central Connecticut Regional Minister, and I have accepted that call.  It will allow me to continue the conference work I have come to love, and to live with Sara.

I will continue in my present position until July 11.  Between now and then I ask you to hold our churches and my family in your prayers as we move through this time of transition into the new future into which God is calling us.

Grace and Peace,

Mike Penn-Strah

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From: The Rev. Dr. Jim Antal

First, a personal word.  Anyone who has lived apart from the person they love for any length of time recognizes what Mike refers to as an arrangement that is certainly not ideal.  Upon hearing Mike’s news for the first time, my initial response was as a friend – I rejoiced that he and Sara would be reunited on a day to day basis.  I’m sure the whole Conference joins Mike in rejoicing as he anticipates this personally propitious change.

While we rejoice with his rejoicing, we weep as well.  Our sadness is proportional to Mike’s enormous gifts, his tireless commitment to the local churches, their pastors, the Associations, and the Conference.  Mike’s boundless energy and his enthusiasm for all kinds of ministry has made him an exemplary Associate Conference Minister, as has his fearless resolve and commitment to God’s prophetic call to do new things.  On many occasions I have relied on Mike’s wisdom as well as the fresh insight he brings to familiar challenges.  All of this, along with his strength and compassion, has made him a colleague we all treasure.

Mike will continue in his current role for the next four months until July 11.  By the time he departs we will have an Associate Conference Minister in his place.  Whether that person serves in an interim, acting or settled capacity will depend upon many factors.  This staff transition occurs in the context of a larger, Conference-wide transition that is informed by our just-completed Conference-wide listening process.  In developing a proposed new structure, the Conference Board of Directors will of course include Mike’s transition as one of the many factors they take into consideration.

Between now and his departure, we will gather to celebrate Mike’s ministry among us and show our appreciation.  Contributions for a gift may be sent to Willie Sordillo with the memo line reading “Gift for Mike.”

May the sadness we feel not diminish the gratitude we express to God for Mike’s many gifts, and may we move ahead with confidence, drawing on the companionship of Christ and the guidance of Holy Spirit in our journey forward.

The Rev. Dr. Jim Antal ,
Conference Minister and President
Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ