Dear Friends,

Grace and peace to you!

I bring you bittersweet news regarding our Director of Family Ministries, Rev. K.C. Van Atta-Casebier. Pastor K.C. will transition off the Foundry staff in mid-October. Their last Sunday will be October 9 after which they’ll work remotely, completing their time with us on October 31.

The reason for this quick departure is that K.C.’s spouse Greg has received a new job opportunity that requires their family’s relocation back to Nashville, TN. Pastor K.C. anticipates taking a period of Family Leave upon completion of their ministry with us. Though this is a very difficult transition in some ways for Pastor K.C., the gifts of family and time to nurture and support their two children will be welcomed—especially after the stresses of ministry in pandemic times.

It is difficult, too, for our Foundry Staff team to imagine K.C.’s leaving. Pastor K.C. provided connection, spiritual resources, a popular Podcast, and worship-at-home boxes for our children, youth, and families through the pandemic—after being on staff only two months prior to the quarantine. Youth connections were sustained and deepened through innovative programs and activities. Pastor K.C. has also participated fully in pastoral care and in worship, sharing meaningful and fun messages each week for children and adults alike. Once we began moving to in person ministry, Pastor K.C. got busy ramping up our youth missions, Youth@Night, children’s worship, Sunday School, and nursery. 

Some may wonder about K.C.’s appointment. There are two ordained ministerial Orders within the UMC, the Order of Deacons and the Order of Elders. Pastor K.C. is a provisional Deacon and, as such, is able to seek out their own employment and then present it for approval and appointment by the Bishop(s). This is different from Elders who are appointed by the Bishop to a certain congregation year to year.This means that Pastor K.C. is able to end their ministry with us without needing a new appointment from the Bishop.

The Director of Family Ministries is a vital role for Foundry. We are committed to finding an excellent new Director to continue and build on the strong ministries with children, youth, and families that are such a blessing to our congregation. 

I, together with Amanda Beadle, President of the Foundry Board, join with all of you in giving thanks to God for K.C.’s faithful service. Let us surround them and their family with prayer for all that is to come.

Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli 
Senior Pastor  

Amanda Beadle
President, Foundry Board