Pastor Tim Mitchell
Dear Church Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
What a blessing it was to gather together on Sunday, July 13th for our second Town Hall & Potluck of 2025! Nearly 60 of us came together—sharing delicious food, meaningful fellowship, and rich conversation. I’m grateful for the spirit of openness and care that continues to shape our life together as a church. For those who missed it, printed handouts from the meeting are available at the church, or we’d be happy to email you a copy upon request.
Two major topics guided our conversation:
1. What to Do with Our Two Parsonages
Now that we’ve said farewell to Pastor Young Sun and are returning to a solo pastor model, we no longer need two parsonages. This change presents us with an important question: What is the wisest and most faithful way to steward our extra property?
Thanks to the careful work of Trustee Specialist Dave Wigginton, we’ve identified six potential options (outlined in the handout). But before any decision can be made, there are essential details to clarify—including the steps outlined by the United Methodist Book of Discipline for selling church property. After contacting our District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Brian Gilbert, I’m pleased to share that those answers are also included in the handout.
There’s more to consider: the utilities (water and possibly sewer) for the parsonage next to the church are currently connected to the church. If we were to sell that property, those would need to be separated. Dave is actively pursuing bids for the necessary work, and so far, we’ve received one.
In addition, our Trustees consulted a local realtor to assess the market value of both parsonages. In a second walk-through of the Associate Parsonage, we discovered that keeping that property as the pastor’s residence—while selling the one on Hennepin—could require up to $150,000 in upgrades. That raised a deeper question among our leadership:
Where is our church heading in the next 3, 5, or 10 years?
Is this the best use of our resources for the future God is calling us to?
2. Exploring a Potential Church Merger
That very question of the future led our One Board to take another step: they are inviting Grace United Methodist Church to enter into a conversation about what it might look like to merge our two congregations together. This is just the beginning of discernment, and nothing has been decided. This will be a extended conversation that could take a couple of years to completely process. But we believe that when churches come together in faith, prayer, and openness, the Holy Spirit can do something new and life-giving.
We want to be transparent, thoughtful, and inclusive every step of the way—and that means involving you. As these conversations unfold, there will be opportunities for everyone in our church family to ask questions, share hopes, and offer input.
Two Conversations, One Future These two topics—the future of our parsonages and the possibility of merging with Grace UMC—may seem separate, but they are deeply connected. They run parallel to each other and influence each other. As we prayerfully enter into conversation with Grace UMC about what a shared future might look like, we also need to concurrently work on discerning the best course of action for our two parsonages.
Each decision will shape the other, and both will require wisdom, courage, and faith. That’s why your engagement, questions, and prayers are so important in this season of discernment. We are not rushing forward, but moving carefully and hopefully—trusting that God is already at work ahead of us.
A Moment of Reflection
In my 10 years as your pastor, I’ve had the sacred honor of presiding over 76 funerals. When I first arrived, our weekly worship attendance averaged around 180. Today, we gather about 100 in-person, with another 20 worshiping online. Though that number has changed, the heart of our congregation remains strong—especially in the laughter and energy of our young children who fill our worship with joy each week.
One of our greatest needs right now is a Youth Ministries Director—someone to walk alongside our incredible Powerhouse Kids volunteers and help nurture the faith of our next generation. What a gift it is to have so many young lives growing in Christ among us!
As we look ahead, let us remember: every challenge is also an opportunity. An opportunity to listen for God’s call. An opportunity to dream together. An opportunity to trust that the same Spirit who led us here will continue to guide us forward.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your prayers, presence, and participation matter more than you know.
With hope and gratitude, Pastor Tim