Dear Resurrection,
I have bittersweet news regarding a significant job transition for one of our pastoral staff. Pastor Kevin, Executive Pastor of Staff and Children’s Ministries, asked me to share this letter with you:
It is with mixed emotions that I share the news with you that I will be leaving the Resurrection staff team this summer. Dean Steve and I had been in conversation for several months before his sabbatical about my long-term vocational path along with my desire to better align our growing family’s schedule. Over time, I began to feel more strongly that a transition might be in my future, but the timing remained uncertain until recently.
Two weeks ago, I unexpectedly received a time-sensitive invitation to rejoin my former team at Wheaton College to meet an immediate need in the IT department. I had been concerned about how my departure might impact our children’s ministry, but I found that this new role would allow me the flexibility I needed to facilitate a smooth transition. My work schedule would also align better with Kristen’s full-time teaching schedule, allowing for more consistent time together as a family. After careful consideration, Kristen and I agreed that this was a good next step for us.
I was first drawn to our RezKids ministry as a volunteer because I was compelled by our church’s vision of children as worshippers who are fully capable of engaging in a transforming relationship with Jesus and his church. These past three years, I have been honored to partner with all of you in shepherding them deeper into that relationship. I am also thankful that my children will continue to grow in this ministry, even if I am no longer at the helm.
We are still working out a complete transition plan, but I am pleased to share that Christina Westberg and Matt Prechter will be taking on additional hours and responsibilities to ensure continuity in the ministry. Christina will be serving as our Interim Early Childhood Ministry Director, and Matt Prechter will be the Interim Elementary Ministry Director. I will continue to provide general oversight for the ministry until mid-July while we make arrangements for someone else to lead in the fall. Please pray for the Lord to guide and sustain our team through this transition.
While I am excited about this next step, I will also greatly miss working so closely with the amazing Rez staff and volunteer team.Their love for Jesus and dedication to his people have deeply encouraged me during my time here. I am trusting that the Lord will continue to provide exactly what our church needs during this next season as we seek to be more like him.
With Hope in Jesus,
Kevin Sheehan
While this is sad for many of us to hear, we also rejoice in the Lord’s provision for Kevin and his family. We are deeply grateful for Pastor Kevin’s servant leadership and love for our children, families, and volunteers over the last three years. Please join me in praying for him and his family during this transitional period as he straddles both roles through mid-July. Please also feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Warmly in Christ,
Fr. Matt Woodley
Acting Dean and Cathedral Vicar
