A Letter From Rev. Erica Thompson
Beloveds,
The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is made up of different and distinct seasons. I am reaching out today to share that my season as your pastor is coming to an end. This is a decision I have reached after deep prayer, reflection, and discernment. It is not a choice I make lightly. Serving as Senior Minister of
Asylum Hill Congregational Church has been one of the deepest privileges of my ministry and of my life, and I remain profoundly grateful for the trust this congregation has placed in me over these twenty years.
Together, we have worshiped and learned, welcomed new members, strengthened ministries, served our neighbors, and walked alongside one another through seasons of profound celebration, grief, and change. I am particularly grateful for the many people who have entrusted me with their stories and allowed me to share in the sacred moments of their lives. Those relationships will remain an important part of my own story forever.
Following the death of my father in January, I entered a season of quiet reflection. In listening deeply to my own spirit, I recognized that it is time for me to step away from pastoral ministry—at least for a time—to heal, reflect, and recover my joy. It has become clear to me that this is what is best for my family, for my health, and for Asylum Hill Congregational Church.
We are a people formed by a faith that reminds us we are meant to be sent. When Abraham was called, he did not know precisely where he was going; as Scripture tells us, he simply journeyed on by stages. I find myself entering a season of journeying by stages, and in a different way, so are you.
As you prepare for this next chapter, I know how easy it can be to let uncertainty take root.
• It can be easy for fear to win. Don’t let it.
• It can be easy for blame or bitterness to win. Don’t let it.
• It can be easy for anxiety about the future to win. Don’t let it.
Friends, beloveds, we are called by a God who loves us, who knows us, and who has formed us into who we are. This God is for us, and this God is with us. God’s story did not begin with me, and it will not end with me. The Spirit will continue to lead this community into its next chapter with strength and grace.
In the next five weeks, we will have time to say goodbye well—as my father always implored us to do—and to celebrate our twenty years of ministry together.
I leave with both sadness and profound gratitude, holding fast to the God who has been faithful to this congregation through every chapter of its long and remarkable story.
Always,
Rev. Erica Thompson
Senior Minister
Asylum Hill Congregational Church
A Letter from Moderator Frank Virnelli and Vice Moderator Sandy Wood Forand
Dear Members of Asylum Hill Congregational Church,
Rev. Erica’s letter announcing that she has decided to bring her time as our Senior Minister to a close is an important moment in the life of AHCC. Rev. Erica has been our pastor for over 20 years and has led us through challenging times in our world. We are grateful for her faithful service.
Rev. Erica’s last Sunday with us will be October 25, and we encourage you to mark your calendars. We will celebrate her years of service with a worship service that will include special music, the Sacrament of Communion, and the UCC Service of Release. After worship you are invited to a reception in Drew Hall.
As we move through this transition together, please know that Rev. Jordan and Rev. Lara, staff, Deacons and other volunteers will work to carry on the mission and ministry of AHCC, and we invite all members to be active participants in this labor of love as we discern together what God is calling us to do and be in this next chapter of our life together.
Please reach out to either of us at moderator@ahcc.org with any questions you have.
In grace and peace,
Frank Virnelli, Jr., Moderator
Sandy Wood Forand, Vice Moderator