To the Board and Congregation of The United Church of Moscow:

Dear Friends,

It is with profoundly mixed emotions that I hereby submit my resignation as Pastor of The United Church of Moscow. I have been your Pastor for more than twelve years, and I am incredibly grateful for the many amazing experiences which we have shared together. From the very beginning you have welcomed me with open arms and allowed me into your lives. There have been births and deaths, weddings and funerals, worship and coffee hours, laughter and tears. You celebrated with me when Veronica and I were married and you welcomed her into your lives with warmth and grace. You supported me when my father died. You listened intently when I preached my 500th sermon. The list goes on and on. And so it is that I come to this moment filled with both deep sadness and tremendous excitment. It has been a powerful collaboration which I am reluctant to let go of. And, after a great deal of careful thought and prayer and discernment, I believe the time has come for each of us to find separate paths as we move on from here into the future. It is my intention to have May 11, 2008 be my last Sunday here, followed by vacation I have accrued, making May 30, 2008 my last offical day.

As I write this letter I do not yet know what the future holds for me. My relocation forms are currently circulating in both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. I have not yet discovered my next calling. What has become clear to me is that it is time to let go of what is, in order to make room for what will be. And so Veronica and I have chosen to take a "leap of faith" and step boldly into the unknown, trusting that the God who has led us this far will continue to provide guidance and abundant blessings. Our plans for the immediate future (once my time with you has concluded) are for a time of rest and renewal. We will be engaging in a spiritual journey through the Southwest canyon lands, seeking God's presence and guidance in that change of landscape. Please know that we do not take this step lightly. We have reached this decision with a great deal of trust and expectant anticipation for what the path ahead might hold for us.

I hope that The United Church of Moscow will also find this time of transition to be energizing, as you discover new possibilities for your future.

I look forward to opportunities in the coming weeks to share laughter and tears with you as together we engage in both celebration and mourning. And wherever our paths take us from here, please know that I will always cherish the profound privilege it has been to be your pastor. May we each hold the other in our hearts as we journey on from here filled with God's ever present Spirit.

Grace & peace,
Roger C. Lynn