From the Pastor’s Desk
| Dear Saints of Faith Presbyterian Church, April 2025 will mark 15 years of serving this incredible church, and it will also be my final month as your pastor. Beginning May 1, I will step into a new role at First Presbyterian Church of Newhall, with Easter Sunday, April 20, as my final Sunday at Faith. Serving as your pastor has been one of the greatest honors and joys of my life. As I prepare to close this chapter, I do so with a mix of emotions. Ministry is always a work in progress, and there are dreams I had hoped to see fulfilled: a larger and more robust congregation, a beautifully renovated, California-native, drought-resistant landscape, and solar panels. Yet, even as some goals remain unfinished, I am profoundly grateful for what we have built together. I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished across many generations of leaders: a small but mighty, relatively young, and diverse congregation and session, a revitalized church campus, a bold reimagining of what a church is and can be, mission-aligned partnerships that extend our impact in the community, and progress on a balanced budget that sustains the future of Faith Presbyterian. Together, we have walked through many highs and lows. When I arrived, I was a single dad with two young sons (Austin and Will, now 21 and 18!). You cared for them, for me, and later for my new marriage (thank you, Jane!), and then for two more sons (Joshua and Charlie, now 10 and 7!). Over these years, I have grown, not just as a pastor, but as a father, husband, and man, and I thank you for your wisdom, patience, and love as I navigated that journey. I have absolute confidence in your bright future: in the leadership of the session, in the support of the Presbytery, and in the strength of the partnerships we have nurtured. Though I will be nearby, I know it is important to step aside and allow new leadership to rise and guide Faith into its next season. But please know, you will always be in my heart and prayers, and if ever called upon, I will be there. God bless you, Faith Presbyterian Church of Valley Village. To God be the glory: Alleluia, Amen! Pastor Rich |