It was one year ago yesterday that Mark preached for the first time at what was Maple Grove Church where Wayne Sommers had pastored for 19 years.  It was that day that marked the beginning of a merge with Maple Grove and North Creek.  It was a day full of hope, anxiety, and uncertainty.  And it has been a year full of learning, growing, and building.

The irony was not lost on me yesterday as we announced that Wayne and Jenny are departing our church for a new position.  It is almost like someone planned it to the day.  And we all know…Someone did.  Wayne and Jenny are at a place in their lives where they can turn over their hearts to a new adventure and a new season.  There is just no doubt in our minds that God is orchestrating this change at this time for Wayne and Jenny and we are thrilled for them!

For those of you who love them deeply, you will be glad to know that they are only going right around the corner to Lifepoint Church in Vancouver to be Associate Pastors.  In another interesting turn of irony, this is also the church where Mark and I youth pastored for 6 years before deciding to start North Creek.  With a seven year adventure between us, we are simply switching churches!

Wayne and Jenny’s final service with us will be on March 17, 2013.  Wayne will be preaching a farewell message and then we will have an event in the evening where you will be able to say goodbye formally.  More information to follow on the details, but plan for it!

And with that, a new season begins for North Creek as well.  One thing we know: God has it all in His grasp and our job is to simply do the work laid out before us.  And there is much work to be done!

So, congrats to Wayne and Jenny!  We wish you well and will look back with great awe on the journey that God brought the four of us on together.  You will always be a beautiful part of our story…